The sensational murder of a college student in broad day-light. That too near one of the busiest intersections in the city. Naturally, the police would have been the first one to be blamed. The killer managed to get away even after shooting the 2nd year student on a foot-over as SHE was coming down it, ironically on the International Women's Day, when the Home Minister made a statement that the capital had seen a decline in crime against women. 
Student activists vented their fury at the Police, claiming their coverage is inadequate, two PCRs are stationed at the South Campus around the clock, how can such an incidence happen even then? The DCP makes a statement to media, students hold protest march, and the same old story is repeated again. These things have come to define life in the NCR in the recent past. Of course, there is no dearth of examples of such incidences, with the area where the recent shooting took place having acquired notoriety in recent years as being unsafe for girls.
Perhaps what was more appalling was a very dumb statement (one of the many she has made) by Smt. Sheila Dixit, the Chief Minister. "The Police Department is not under my purview"
Very smart Mrs. Dixit. You have passed the buck, washed your hands off, and put the blame on
a) The Delhi Police and;
b) Home Ministry, under whose control Delhi Police comes.
Tomorrow, taking a cue from the CM, the Home Ministry might issue a statement that it is under the State Administration to look into the matter. The blame-game starts, all over again. In between, one or two police vehicles maybe torched, protesting students might be lathi-charged. But the question which remains unanswered in, who should be held accountable? Only last night, I was present at the Studio of a very prominent English news channel as they interviewed the students who are leading the protest movement. I happened to be a part of the discussions there, since I accompanied them. One of the questions which came up regularly was: Who is accountable?
After a most enlightening little "chat" there, I believe the authorities can be left alone to play the blame-game, it's what they do the best. The question is for the common man to ask himself. She was shot around 10:30 in the morning. It was not exactly an 'off-hour'. I am sure like always, the place had the usual hustle-bustle of college students. How come than, the assailant managed to run down a foot-over and just melt away from the scene of crime?
Was there no one present there willing to give him a chase? Try to apprehend him perhaps? I am sure if one of their own was attacked, they wouldn't have looked on. I know some guy did give him a chase, but a more determined effort could perhaps have been more fruitful. Not that I am blaming him of course.
Staging protests might only help to mount pressure on the concerned department to apprehend the absconding killer, but wouldn't it be better if we can avoid such a situation altogether? A change is needed, in the mindset of people. That's all that can really help, little changes at micro-level. Creating and joining F.B groups is not exactly constructive, and perhaps, stringent punishment for any kind of harassment against women might do. It can deter the criminals, the teasers.. But then, we are a democracy..
