Remember the vile comments former DGP of Karnataka Police HT Sangliana made at a recent award event on the physical appearance of Asha Devi, the mother of Nirbhaya who was brutally gang-raped and murdered in 2012?
Leaving the attendees feeling shocked and disgusted, Sangliana said,
“I see Nirbhaya’s mother, she has such a good physique. I can just imagine how beautiful Nirbhaya would have been.”
If his shocking comments on her mother’s physique wasn’t enough, he also went on to offer a few ‘tips’ to women at the event, which were equally appalling.
He said,
“If you are overpowered, you should surrender, and follow up the case later. That way we can be safe, save life, prevent being killed.”
After his advice and comments received a lot of flak, Sangliana issued a statement, defending his stance.
He said,
“I’m sorry that my statements have been twisted. I meant that Nirbhaya’s (name by which the 2012 Delhi gang-rape victim is known) mother looks very smart and good in her physique. Her daughter, Nirbhaya, must have also been a beautiful girl. I think that beautiful people need protection so they don’t become victims in the future. I think people are making an issue out of a non-issue.”
Now, the reason why we are making you recall this is because Nirbhaya’s mother, who also was present at the award event which was meant to honour women and their hard work, has now penned a hard-hitting letter to Sangliana.
The letter published in Khabar Lahariya read,
“When you commented on my physique, you didn’t even think if it’s appropriate to do so. Before making these remarks, you also didn’t think whether it was appropriate for you to compare my physique with the beauty of my daughter Jyoti. After your disgusting comment, the advice you gave to the girls also crossed all limits.
May the force be with you, Asha ji.