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Incidents of assault on foreign women tourists
D.V. GURUPRASAD
In January, more than a dozen foreign tourists were molested or raped in various parts of the country. This has tarnished the image of India as a safe place for tourists and may therefore result in a drastic reduction of tourist inflow.
Typical mindset
Assaults on foreign women tourists may occur because of the typical mindset of many of our countrymen that foreign women are of easy virtue. Most of the oppressors of foreign women have felt that their victims have fewer inhibitions and are easy to approach for sexual favours. The type of dress worn by some women may also compound the problem. For example in a place like Hampi which continues to be a big village, foreign women sunbathing will definitely trigger baser instincts.
Another reason may be a sense of anonymity being felt by the offender. He is almost certain that he may not be identified by the victim. Since the traumatised tourist will also be in a hurry to get back to her country, she may not be available to help identify the accused. Hence such cases remain undetected.
Many cases of assaults on foreign tourists happen on roads leading to the tourist spots or at the place tourists reside. Some tourists are found to roam about in dark and lonely places disregarding their safety. Many budget tourists do not hesitate to reside in seedy lodges. They are also not aware of their vulnerability.
It is also a fact that not many policemen are available to cater to the need of tourists. Since most police stations are under-staffed and since the existing staff is so busy taking care of law and order as well as security duties, very few policemen are available for crime prevention and detection.
Special units
To prevent cases of assault on foreign women tourists, it is necessary to set up special tourist police units wherever there is a large inflow of tourists. A contingent comprising retired policemen and ex-servicemen can be created for this purpose. The members of this unit can function not only as tourist guides but also work as special police officers. Some States have already set up such units.
It is necessary to keep the tourists informed about their vulnerability. Pamphlets containing instructions for tourists can be prepared and distributed by the police. The instructions may not only cover aspects of safety and security but also inform foreigners as to what action of theirs would offend the local sensibility.
The police should have regular meetings with those who frequently interact with tourists such as lodge owners, transport operators, rickshaw and cab drivers, shopkeepers having shops at tourist places and brief them about their behaviour with foreigners. A database of such persons should be kept with the police. This will not only help in the prevention but also in the detection of crimes against foreign tourists.
It is also necessary that the existing laws relating to assault on women need to be overhauled. The chairperson of the National Commission for Women has recently stated that punishment for offences like eve teasing and molestation is likely to be enhanced. This is a welcome step and may act as a deterrent.
(The author is Additional Director General of Police, Recruitment & Training, Karnataka. He can be reached at drdvg@yahoo.com
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