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.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Former minister C M Ibrahim announces to launch new regional party for Karnataka
Kalaburagi: Two years after being expelled from the Janata Dal (Secular), former minister C.M. Ibrahim has announced that he will launch a new regional political party in Karnataka on January 24, reported Deccan Herald.
Speaking at a meeting organised by the Nava Karnataka Nirmana Andolana in Kalaburagi on Sunday, Ibrahim confirmed the birth of the new party.
The 77-year-old politician stated he would soon be meeting with other like-minded individuals to choose a symbol for the party.
ALSO READ: Veteran Congress leader Shamanuru Shivashankarappa laid to rest with full state honours
Ibrahim emphasised that the organisation would be guided by the principles of 12th-century social reformer Basavanna and the architect of the Indian Constitution, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.
A veteran politician, Ibrahim served as Union Civil Aviation Minister during the tenure of H.D. Deve Gowda as Prime Minister and later headed the Karnataka unit of the Janata Dal (Secular). He was expelled from the JD(S) in 2023 on charges of anti-party activities.
His exit from the party followed sharp differences over the JD(S) decision to ally with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). As the then state president of the JD(S), Ibrahim had publicly criticised the alliance, claiming it was finalised without his knowledge. He had also reportedly convened meetings of his supporters and expressed support for the INDIA bloc.
