A City Disturbed: The Boldness of Public Harassment
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In a startling incident of public indecency, a man in Panaji was observed masturbating while riding a motorcycle, intentionally targeting an actress and her friend in broad daylight. Now identified and apprehended by the police, his arrest has sparked widespread outrage—not only directed at him but also at the broader system that allows such behavior to persist without consequence. This situation transcends the actions of a single individual; it highlights a culture that trivializes and overlooks sexual harassment as something “minor” or “innocuous.” It reflects the unspoken anxiety that women in Panaji and throughout India experience each time they venture outside—fearing harassment, catcalling, or even worse. The pressing question is not merely why he acted this way, but why he believed he could do so without repercussions.
The Progression of the Case
In recent weeks, several victims reported encounters with a man on a motorcycle who would approach them, expose himself, and perform lewd acts while maintaining eye contact—a calculated display of dominance and intimidation.
Following a surge of public outrage on social media, law enforcement took action. Utilizing CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts, they successfully located and arrested the suspect. He now faces charges related to public obscenity, sexual harassment, and criminal intimidation. However, let’s be candid—how frequently do offenders of such crimes actually face justice? And even when they do, how many others escape accountability?
The Feminist Perspective: Understanding the Broader Implications of This Crime
Incidents like this are often trivialized as the actions of “just some creep,” yet they signify a deeper, more troubling issue. This behavior transcends mere sexual desire; it embodies a quest for power, humiliation, and dominance. Public sexual harassment is part of a continuum that includes more severe offenses against women. The same sense of entitlement that permits a man to invade a woman’s personal space in public is the same mindset that leads to more egregious acts like assault and rape.
The audacity to carry out such actions in broad daylight highlights the lack of fear these offenders have regarding repercussions. When we dismiss these occurrences as “not significant,” we convey that women’s discomfort and trauma are inconsequential. This only serves to empower the next perpetrator.
The Emotional Impact: The Burden of Ongoing Fear
For the women and girls who are victimized, these encounters are not merely unpleasant; they are violations that leave lasting scars long after the offender is apprehended.
One victim recounted:
“I was on my way home from college when he slowed down beside me. Initially, I thought he was just parking, but then I realized what he was doing. I was paralyzed. I felt nauseous, yet I couldn’t move. All I could think was, ‘Why is this happening to me?’” This is the reality of public sexual harassment—it strips women of their sense of safety, power, and dignity for simply being in public spaces. How many men find themselves strategizing their routes home? How many carry pepper spray, share their locations with friends, or alter their paths out of fear of being pursued?
The Legal System: Will He Face Genuine Consequences?
According to IPC Section 354 (outraging a woman’s modesty) and Section 509 (words, gestures, or acts intended to insult a woman’s modesty), the accused could face imprisonment. But is that sufficient? In many instances of public sexual harassment, justice remains elusive. Even when arrests occur, the legal process is often sluggish, allowing numerous offenders to evade accountability. Meanwhile, victims are left to cope with their trauma while society urges them to simply “move on.”
Challenging the Culture of Acceptance
The problem extends beyond law enforcement; it reflects society’s perception of sexual harassment.
• How often do we hear, “Just ignore it, these things happen”?
• How many women receive advice to “avoid walking alone” instead of advocating for safer environments?
• How frequently do police officers trivialize harassment reports as “not serious”? The era of silence must end. Women should not have to modify their actions because men refuse to manage theirs.
Panaji, like the rest of India, must cease its tolerance of sexual harassment and recognize it as the crime it truly is. Until we take this stand, such incidents will continue to occur—time and time again
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
*The views expressed are personal to the author and do not reflect the platform's opinion of the same.
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Author's profile:
Arhan Ali is a sharp observer of economic and political currents, known for blending keen analysis with a dash of wit. Whether dissecting global trade wars or taking a playful jab at social absurdities, his writing strikes the perfect balance between intellect and irreverence.
