Congress Leaders Demand End to Victim Blaming Amid Safety Crisis

Guwahati: Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi slammed the ongoing practice of character assassination against victims of sexual violence. He demanded that society focus on punishing offenders rather than questioning the choices of survivors. "Let’s stop the character assassination of women when there is a sexual offence or crime. Punish the criminal. Change the mindset," Gogoi wrote on X this Monday, September 29.

Rahul Gandhi backed these calls, pushing for better safety in public spaces. He told the public to stop punishing women for crimes committed against them. He argued that women should not be forced to stay inside or limit their movement because of potential harassment. The two leaders spoke out as protests by students and youth gain momentum across the country.

Assam remains a primary focus of these mounting safety concerns. Authorities are currently investigating the death of 22-year-old Gauhati University student Nimisha Thakuria. She was discovered dead at a local homestay in Guwahati. Another case surfaced in the city on September 27. Police rescued a 23-year-old woman from Jorhat after finding her unconscious inside the Sunflower Guest House in Jalukbari late Sunday night. Investigators are now calling for tighter oversight of local guest houses and homestays to prevent further violence.