Mumbai: Citizens take to streets to protest sexual assaults

There was an outpouring of anguish and concern from Mumbaikars on Sunday over the slew of brutal rape cases that have dominated the national conversation recently. Citizens, including celebrities like Kalki Koechlin, came out on the streets to protest the delay in justice for Kathua and Unnao rape victims.

"What is happening is wrong. Even after the two cases came to light, there was one more in Gujarat. This has to stop. Tomorrow it could be me," said Ivana Pinto, an 18-year-old who had come with her parents to protest at Carter Road, one of the venues for the demonstrations. Similar protests were held at Nagpada, Charkop, Mira Road and Mahim.

Protesters waved banners and shouted slogans with the central message that such instances have to stop, even if it takes capital punishment. "Rapists, of any age, should be hanged," said Shumona Bag. Others like 13-year-old Asha Gupta, who had come with her mother, held a banner that read 'If you talk to your girls about safety, talk to your boys about consent'.

"Such things are becoming common. Power is abused and the common man is not able to exercise his right. This is a scary thing," said actor Kalki Koechlin, who had come to show her support.

"It is shameful that there are some people who are supporting the accused while others remain silent," said Ruben Mascarenhas, member of Zero Tolerance, one of the may organisations that gave the call for protest.

"We do not know what is the right punishment but whatever they do, this has to stop now," said Shyama Kulkarni, one of speakers.