Why were they quiet? Kiran Bedi says victims of self-styled godman Saraswati are equally accountable
New Delhi: Former Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Kiran Bedi has sparked controversy with her recent comments on the sexual harassment allegations against self-styled godman Chaitanyanand Saraswati. In an interview with India Today, Bedi suggested that the women who accused Saraswati were "equally accountable" for their silence about the alleged abuse.
“I can’t imagine they were so foolish and ignorant. I am sure they knew they could do it (use social media to share their ordeal), but why did they keep quiet? They are also equally accountable,” Bedi asserted.
When pressed on the responsibility of Sri Sharada Institute of Indian Management-Research, where Saraswati served as the former director, Bedi suggested that the blame extended beyond the institution itself. “I would not exclude the girls because they may have been gaining financially or otherwise. It’s greed, nothing else. You have to be a gainer to be silent for a crime,” she remarked, drawing further criticism for victim-blaming.
When asked about the often hostile environment in which sexual harassment victims operate, including threats and intimidation, she downplayed these concerns, suggesting that collective action and social media could have exposed the alleged abuser. "It’s not difficult to report when their number is large. You can even name and shame them anonymously on social media. In fact, one of the biggest advances of social media is to protect yourself and expose the man," Bedi said.
Her comments were met with widespread criticism on social media. Many users pointed out the insensitivity of her remarks, highlighting that the onus should not be on women to take collective action, but on the government and institutions to ensure justice. "The onus is not on women to come together. The onus is on the government to serve justice to every single victim," wrote one Instagram user. Another commented, "It's not as easy as Bedi is suggesting. Not all girls can come out publicly on social media."
The sexual harassment allegations against Saraswati have sparked outrage. According to the FIR filed in the case, Saraswati allegedly forced female students to visit his quarters late at night, sent them inappropriate messages, and monitored their movements through his phone.
In a recent update on the investigation, police confirmed that they had seized a number of items from Saraswati’s residence, including a sex toy and five CDs allegedly containing pornographic material. Additionally, police found three forged photographs purportedly featuring the accused alongside prominent figures such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, former U.S. President Barack Obama, and a British political leader.
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Allen, Raghuvanshi, Green power KKR to 29-run win over GT
Kolkata (PTI): Finn Allen blasted a 35-ball 93, while Angkrish Raghuvanshi hit an unbeaten 44-ball 82 as Kolkata Knight Riders kept their playoff hopes alive with a 29-run win over Gujarat Titans in the IPL match here on Saturday.
Sent in to bat, Allen went on a six-hitting spree, smashing 10 maximums and four boundaries to add 95 off 41 balls with Raghuvanshi (82).
Raghuvanshi then shared another 108 off 53 balls with Cameron Green (52 not out) to power KKR to a challenging 247 for 2.
In reply, GT could manage 218-4, riding on skipper Shubman Gill's 49-ball 85 and a 35-ball 57 from Jos Buttler. Opener Sai Sudarsan was retired hurt but returned to make a 28-ball 53 not out.
Sunil Narine (2/29) claimed two wickets and Saurabh Dubey snapped one for KKR.
For GT, Mohammed Siraj (1/50), Sai Kishore (1/38) were the wicket-takers.
Brief Score:
KKR: 247 for 2 in 20 overs (Finn Allen 93, Angkrish Raghuvanshi 82 not out, Camero Green 52 not out; Mohammed Siraj 1/50).
GT: 218 for 4 in 20 overs (Shubman Gill 85, Sunil Narine 2/29).
