Ex-Armyman Who Helped Nirbhaya Paid a Price for His Kindness

On the cold night of 16 December 2012, when Nirbhaya lay naked on the streets of Delhi, after being brutally gangraped by six men, ex-armyman Rajkumar Singh, who was the on-duty patrolling officer, was the only man who came forward to help her.

I have seen a lot of bloodbath in Kargil war, but Nirbhaya’s condition that night was so much worse.

Rajkumar Singh

In an exclusive interview to The Quint, Rajkumar narrates the horrific sight that haunts him even after five years.

I was coming back from Mahipalpur when I saw a boy and a girl lying naked on the side of the street. They were crying for help. When I asked what happened, they told me they were coming back from a movie, when six drunk men beat up the boy and raped the girl.

Rajkumar Singh

Rajkumar had immediately called up the PCR, but they sounded confused. Not wasting any more time, Rajkumar rushed to a hotel nearby and got bedsheets and a water bottle. He took off his own clothes and wrapped up Nirbhaya and her a friend.

When the PCR came, they kept discussing about whose area it was. I was surprised at their confusion. It was not Pakistan that you keep fighting over the ownership of areas. Finally, we shifted her to a car and sent her to the hospital.

Rajkumar Singh

Rajkumar had to pay the price of helping them by losing his job. Due to the regular police and court proceedings, his employers started pressurising him to modify his version of the testimony. He refused to step back on the truth and resigned. He is still unemployed.

He says most people are hesitant to help because they are scared of the court and police proceedings.

I can give my life for the protection of women.

Rajkumar Singh

Recalling the horrific night, Rajkumar said he prays that such an incident doesn’t happen to any other girl. He blames the mentality and the legal system for the growing rate of crimes against women.

Video Editor: Mohd Ibrahim

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