Bravery or Crime? Divided Opinions Over Godman’s Severed Penis

An anti-rape protest. Photo used for representational purpose. (Photo: The Quint)

The recent incident where a godman’s penis was severed by a woman in Kerala has sparked a debate, once again, regarding the persistent failure of the system in protecting women and putting in place stringent laws to prevent the act of rape.

Moreover, this ‘desperate act’ is a grim reminder of the urgency for speedy investigation to prevent victims from resorting to taking the law in their own hands for the sake of justice.

Girl Finds Support in CM

The 23-year-old student of law who cut off the sexual organs of a 54-year-old swami after he allegedly tried to rape her, found support from Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan who said:

That was a brave act. She has done it courageously and we can support her.

Minister for Fisheries Mercykutty also echoed the CM’s thoughts and called the woman’s act brave.

In a statement to the police, the woman alleged that the swami has been abusing her for several years, since the time she was in high school.

The godman was booked under Section 376 (Rape) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses Act (POCSO).

‘Need a Society Where Justice Prevails’, Says Tharoor

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor still, however, struck a note of caution. In a post on Facebook, he argued that justice should prevail over individual revenge.

Right-wing activist and member of the Kerala Sabarimala temple Thanthri family, Rahul Easwar, said that while the woman should be protected legally, she should have informed the authorities about the abuse much earlier as reported by The News Minute.

“We always hear news reports saying the victim had been abused for many years and finally, the incident comes to light. This should not happen. Our girls should learn to react quickly and inform authorities at the earliest. From their young age, they should be taught to do so. If this girl had done that, this pervert would have been behind the bars long before,” Easwar told TNM.

Women In Solidarity

NDTV quoted Shailaja J, a social activist and an actor, who said that the act was a strong warning to those who believe that men can get away with these crimes unhurt.

“The sexual harassment by fake saints is not something new in society. Now, it has been caught with proof,” she remarked.

Prameela Devi, member of the Kerala State Women's Commission, told News 18 she was proud of the woman.

Such an act by anyone especially when it comes under the guise of a religious tag, irrespective of the religion, is in no way acceptable, as such people should be role models to all.

“The incident is a big warning to all sexual predators,” said Congress leader Bindhu Krishna.

‘Courageous Act,’ Twitter Lauds

Most of the Twitter community also came out in support of the woman.

In Defence of Law

However, there were some others who condemned the girl’s action for taking the law into her own hands.