What is Digital Rape? Understanding the Crime and Its Growing Incidents
Digital rape refers to non-consensual penetration of a person’s private parts using fingers or any other object. Unlike traditional forms of sexual assault, digital rape involves the use of body parts like fingers rather than genital contact. It is recognized as a severe crime under Indian law, and perpetrators are charged with stringent penalties similar to other forms of rape.
Under the Indian Penal Code (IPC), digital rape falls under Section 375, which defines the offense as unlawful penetration, and those convicted of such crimes face the same punishment as for other types of rape. In many cases, digital rape occurs in schools, homes, or places where trust is violated, making the impact on victims even more traumatic.
Past Incidents of Digital Rape
Unfortunately, digital rape cases are not uncommon, and several such incidents have shocked the nation. Some of the prominent cases include:
4 September 2024: In the Sector-24 police station area, a six-year-old girl was sexually assaulted by a laborer working in a private school. The case raised concerns about children’s safety in educational institutions.
29 September 2024: In the Jarcha police station area, a five-year-old girl was lured by a neighbor with the promise of a burger and then subjected to brutality in a field. This horrifying incident left the entire community in disbelief.
13 August 2023: A seven-year-old differently-abled girl was abused by a teacher in a school located in the Sector-39 police station area. The teacher’s heinous act sparked widespread outrage and brought attention to the vulnerability of children with disabilities.
The Growing Concern
Digital rape is a crime that often goes unreported due to fear, shame, or lack of awareness. Many victims, especially children, find it difficult to express their trauma, leading to delays in justice. The increasing number of such cases highlights the need for more stringent safety measures in schools, homes, and public places, along with raising awareness among parents and caregivers.
There must also be a stronger emphasis on educating children about inappropriate touch and giving them the confidence to report such incidents. Legal reforms, along with sensitization of law enforcement agencies, are crucial to ensure that perpetrators of digital rape are brought to justice quickly and effectively.
The cases mentioned above are just a few examples of the growing menace of digital rape in society. This heinous crime must be addressed with the utmost seriousness, and efforts must be made to prevent it from happening in the future.
