Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Crime against women

Goa Home Minster Ravi Naik may be right in saying that Fiona Mackeown — mother of Scarlette Keeling who was raped and murdered in Goa — acted in an irresponsible manner by leaving her minor daughter with a local person. But that can in no way mitigate the gravity of the offence committed against Scarlette. It should not be used to suppress Ms Mackeown’s legitimate demand for a thorough probe into the unfortunate incident. Such reaction by the Goa authorities raises doubts about the fairness of our investigative system.

M. Mandal,

Hyderabad

This refers to the report that a German tourist has complained that she was molested on the Cavelossim beach. It is becoming a formidable challenge for the administration to prevent increasing incidents of crime against women tourists. Such acts will harm the popularity of India as a tourist destination. Security at tourism spots should be tightened. The authorities should be held accountable if they fail to curb crime against women.

Paramjeet S. Berwal,

New Delhi

The recurrent incidents in Goa point to the sedentary and slothful nature of the local police. If such felonies are allowed to persist, local and foreign tourists will hesitate to visit Goa in future.

J. Eden Alexander,

Thanjavur

Barely three months ago, we read with horror the news of a mob of molesters pouncing on two women during the New Year-eve celebrations in Mumbai. Reports of rape and molestation appearing with alarming regularity speak volumes about official apathy and efficacy of the criminal justice system. The growing insecurity of women is a matter of grave concern.

A.S. Farida,

Kancheepuram

With foreigners as victims, assaulters are assured of getting away easily. To minimise assaults on foreigners, particularly women, the administration should distribute literature to them warning them of the nature of risks they could encounter. They should also be cautioned against going to lonely spots on their own. The administration should hold frequent meetings with the people related to the tourism industry (hotel managers, taxi drivers, etc.) and educate them on the need to ensure safe tourism.

Shadab Husain,

Lucknow

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