Florence Hokheli Jamir
The recent rape and murder of a 35-year-old woman in Pimla has sent shockwaves through our community, igniting fear, outrage, and deep sorrow. As a woman, I find it increasingly difficult to feel safe amidst the alarming rise in such heinous crimes. This is not just an isolated incident—it is a glaring symptom of deeper systemic failures that demand urgent attention.
According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) 2023 data, over 31,000 cases of rape were reported across India—averaging nearly 85 cases per day. The numbers reflect a grim reality for women across the country. States experiencing high rates of unregulated immigration have seen significant spikes in overall crime, further straining already fragile law enforcement systems.
Authorities must act without delay to apprehend the perpetrator in the Pimla case and ensure he faces the harshest punishment under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, which has replaced the Indian Penal Code. Under Section 64 of the BNS, rape is a serious offence punishable with rigorous imprisonment of not less than 10 years, which may extend to life imprisonment, and in cases involving murder, the punishment may extend to the death penalty under Section 70.
However, legal punishment alone is not enough. This incident exposes significant loopholes in our law and order machinery, particularly regarding the lack of data verification, identity tracking, and regulatory oversight concerning immigrants. While migration is not inherently a problem, the absence of robust border regulation and accountability mechanisms has contributed to increasing instances of organized crime, trafficking, and violence in affected regions.
We must call for a dual approach: swift justice through the courts and systemic reform through governance. Border States need targeted policing strategies, digitized citizen records, and coordinated efforts between local law enforcement and intelligence agencies.
Women should not have to live in fear. Every citizen deserves the right to move freely, without the constant threat of violence.
The Pimla case must not fade from headlines or public memory. Let it be the catalyst for change—a turning point that compels our leaders to prioritize women’s safety, rule of law, and community accountability. Justice for the victim is non-negotiable, and a safer future for all must be the ultimate goal.
