New Delhi, Nov 16 (NationPress) Twelve years after a tragic event drastically altered their lives, the parents of Nirbhaya persist in their quest for justice and reform. In an interview with IANS regarding the current state of women's safety in the nation, Asha Devi, Nirbhaya’s mother, conveyed her profound frustration over the stagnation in ensuring security for women.

"Nothing has changed in 12 years. Governments have come and gone, but the situation remains the same. Women are still unsafe in this country, whether in Delhi or elsewhere. We compile crime statistics, but where is the data on how many offenders face punishment? When it comes to women’s safety, we are still trapped in 2012, or worse, the situation has worsened," she stated to IANS.

In reference to a recent incident involving the alleged assault of a junior doctor at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata, Asha Devi remarked, "What occurred in Kolkata is profoundly unfortunate. Even with a female chief minister in the state, the victim could not be protected. Two of the suspects have been recently released, and the victim's family lives in fear. They were supposed to join us today but couldn't. Whether it’s the central government or state government, nothing will change until we enact stringent laws."

Discussing systemic issues, she added, "The doctor protested, many resigned, but what was the result? The Chief Minister couldn’t deliver justice to a daughter. If the government, police, and judiciary are fulfilling their duties, why do these crimes keep occurring?"

Asha Devi also called for prompt reforms, urging the government to prioritize women’s safety.

"Introduce Bills, create laws, do something to initiate real change. Where are the CCTVs? Where are the streetlights? This has been the narrative of the last 12 years. After every crime in the country, the conversation fades away," she stated.

Nirbhaya’s father, Badrinath Singh, shared with IANS, "The so-called extensive security campaigns are merely for appearances. Back then, it was Congress; now, it’s Kejriwal. But nothing has changed for the safety of daughters. Kejriwal pledged CCTVs—where are they? Those who have suffered are still crying out for justice."

He also questioned the accountability of lawmakers. "What decisions have been made in Parliament regarding women’s safety over the past 12 years? Corrupt leaders, criminals—how are they permitted to sit in Parliament? How can such individuals ensure safety for women? When the government shields the police and politicians instead of holding them accountable, how will criminals ever be apprehended? Look at the Kolkata incident; the entire plot was executed with administrative backing."

The horrific gang rape of a 23-year-old physiotherapy intern, later known as Nirbhaya (the fearless one), on the night of December 16, 2012, shocked the nation profoundly. She was brutally assaulted by six men in a moving bus in south Delhi, and was thrown out onto the road in a severely injured condition. She ultimately succumbed to her injuries days later in a Singapore hospital.

Of the six accused, four were convicted and executed on March 20, 2020. One, Ram Singh, allegedly took his own life in Tihar Jail during the trial, while another, a juvenile, was released in 2015 after serving three years in a correctional facility.

Asha Devi concluded with a heartfelt plea, "I will carry this pain for the rest of my life. My only request to the government is to guarantee the safety of our daughters. Bring about meaningful change. This cannot continue."