A disturbing account of sexual harassment shared by Sonal Pateria on social media has sparked widespread outrage and a call for stronger measures to ensure women’s safety. In a series of tweets, Ms. Pateria recounted three separate incidents of harassment by strangers across Delhi-NCR, highlighting the pervasive and frightening nature of such experiences.
Three Disturbing Incidents in a Month
The first incident occurred near DLF Mall in Sector-18, Noida, where a man on a motorcycle made a lewd comment, asking, “kya rate legi?” (“What’s your rate?”). The man sped away, leaving Ms. Pateria in shock and distress. The second incident took place last Sunday as Ms. Pateria walked toward the Sector-18 Metro station. A man approached her with unwelcome advances, expressing interest and suggesting that there might be a chance for something more. Uncomfortable and alarmed, Ms. Pateria quickly walked away and called a friend to stay on the phone until she reached home safely.
The third incident occurred at Rajeev Chowk Metro station, where another man brazenly asked for her phone number. These incidents, all occurring within a single month, have left Ms. Pateria and many others questioning the safety of women in public spaces across the region.
A Call for Change: Fear and Frustration Voiced on Social Media
Ms. Pateria’s tweets, which have garnered over four lakh views, highlight her frustration and fear. She emphasized that the issue is not about what she was wearing or the time of day, but the constant fear faced by women due to harassment. “I’ll not be defensive about what I was wearing or what the time was because none of that matters. What matters is that I and a lot of women like me live in constant fear. And we have no energy left to report each and every case,” she wrote.
In another tweet, she compared the fear of stray dogs on the streets at night to the fear of men who harass women. “Delhi NCR streets are full of dogs at night. They start barking or following when you cross by their side. I’m less scared of them now. At least they stop when you stand or they have a fear of sticks. These men whom I came across, are not scared of anything!” she added.
Noida Police Respond and Launch Investigation
The Noida Police have responded to Ms. Pateria’s tweets via their official X account, stating that an investigation has been launched into the mall incident. The case has been assigned to the Assistant Deputy Commissioner of Police, and a special team has been formed to review CCTV footage and gather evidence.
Ms. Pateria also received a call from ACP Praveen Singh, who assured her that the police are taking the matter seriously. “Though I believe this issue is more of a cultural problem rather than law and order, still, Noida Police took this case into their hands. Looking up for the action & updates,” she wrote on X.
Public Outcry and the Need for Cultural Change
Ms. Pateria’s posts have sparked a wave of support and concern from social media users, with many sharing their own experiences of harassment. One user commented, “This is terrible. If this is the condition in a metro town where educated people live, I can only imagine what’s happening in more remote areas.” Another added, “It’s deeply heartbreaking and shameful that we, as a society, have failed to protect our sisters. Such incidents highlight how far we still have to go in ensuring their safety and dignity.”
As the investigation continues, Ms. Pateria’s account serves as a stark reminder of the everyday dangers women face and the urgent need for societal and cultural change to ensure their safety.
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