A powerful procession unfolded in Mysuru on Saturday, as members of the Mahilodaya Mahila Okkoota took to the streets to vigorously condemn the alarming increase in crimes against women.
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, the organization’s members marched through key areas of the city, aiming to urgently draw public and governmental attention to this critical issue.
The Okkoota emphasized that existing laws designed to safeguard women from atrocities and exploitation are not being enforced effectively, rendering them inadequate. They presented stark statistics: from January to July 2025 alone, Karnataka witnessed 340 registered rape cases and a staggering 3,643 cases of sexual harassment.
Further exacerbating their concern, the organization revealed that over 25,000 rape victims under the age of 18 had become pregnant during this period, suggesting a potentially much higher number of unreported incidents. The activists passionately demanded that individuals accused of crimes against women be denied bail and face severe penalties.
For those convicted of heinous crimes such as rape and murder, the organization advocated for the death sentence. They also implored the government and judicial system to prioritize and expedite trials related to crimes against women.
Additional demands put forth by the activists included enhanced safety measures for working women in their workplaces, a complete prohibition on prenatal sex determination, and intensified efforts to combat female foeticide.