Women in Pune protest sexual violence, demand accountability from police and administration

Women and citizens gathered in Pune on Wednesday to protest against sexual violence and restrictions imposed on women in the name of safety. Organised by the Stree Mukti League, participants carried placards demanding justice, accountability, equal rights and an end to moral policing. The protest questioned practices of dictating what women wear, where they go and when they return home.

The demonstration was sparked by the recent Vishrantwadi case in Pune involving sexual assault of a minor girl. Protesters also referenced recent incidents including a case in Jamui, Bihar, and a rape case in Delhi, emphasising the need for swift police action.

Speakers at the protest argued that women should not be expected to change their lives due to crimes committed against them. They stressed that responsibility should lie with police and administration to prevent crimes and act against perpetrators, rather than imposing restrictions on women's movement and clothing.