Chhoti Nirbhaya, 3 Years On: The Story of an Untiring Mother

Chhoti Nirbhaya was raped near her slum when she was 4. Today, her mother continues to teach her to fight her fears.

Chhoti Nirbhaya and her mother epitomise bravery for each other.

(Illustration: Erum Gour/The Quint)

This is the story of Chhoti Nirbhaya, a now seven-year-old girl who lives in a home with her parents, grandparents, an older sister and a little brother, in a jhuggi along north Delhi’s railway tracks.

It is a story that began in a deep, dark abyss near her home, where she was – one evening, three years ago – lured by a man she trusted and there, raped. It is the story of how she found her way home, how she told her mother everything and how she fought fears – big and little – everyday.

But it is also the story of that mother she confided in. The mother who tells her daughter, everyday, to fight her fears, big and little.

The Quint started reporting their story exactly three years ago, when it raised funds for the minor rape survivor through a crowdfunding campaign. We called her ‘Chhoti Nirbhaya’ and resolved to return to the family every year.

The following is their story...

*Name changed to protect identity

Reporting and text: Urmi Bhattacheryya
Illustrations: Erum Gour