Hyderabad: The ‘encounter’ killings of the suspected rapists and murderers of the veterinarian referred to as Disha is a deterrent only for the time being and does not stop rapists from the act, stated psychiatrists. This is only a short term solution to the larger problem that is prevailing in society.
The present situation can lead to ‘aversion therapy’ where it will instill fear in those who indulge in molestation, sexual assault and rapes but it will not deter them from committing the act.
Dr Preeti Swaroop, president of the Hyderabad Psychiatric Society, explained, “In the case of Disha the encounter comes across as a punishment for heinous crime. It sends a message out to many others that this kind of behaviour will not be tolerated by society. This will act as one measure of deterrent.”
But does it help to solve the problem? No. The reason is because gang rapes are an instinctive, pre-mediated behaviour and these are not done for the first time.
The rapists try it with those who are in their close circles first and who will not talk about it to anyone. This gives them the courage and they try again and again.
Dr Naresh Vadlamani, senior psychiatrist, explained, “In gang-rapes, the act is often done by those who are drop outs, failed or those who are always criticised for being good for nothing. The act is their ability to score on the society. They will do it under the influence of drugs and alcohol and will continue to do it as it is not considered a crime by them. But killing them will not solve the problem.”
Vadlamani said what we need is “a strong judicial system. They must be tried first and locked up forever in jail. They must not be let out ever. The United Kingdom has Rampton and Broadmoor prisons where serial killers are kept. They have no human rights and will never be out of prison in their lifetime.”
There is jubilation presently at the killings because there was a lot of anger in people, but as it subsides there will be a strong voice raised for a strong police system and legal machinery to deal with these cases.
Dr Pragya Rashmi, consultant psychologist, explained, “There was a pressing need for closure. This has led to sense of justice and a sense of instant gratification. Which is not necessarily actual justice but token justice. Will it ensure no rapes happen? Will now criminals be dealt with on case to case basis? Who decides and how?
Does it really send a message home to perpetrators? These are larger questions which will need to be addressed. This particular case has led to an individualistic approach and not a collective approach. Can the same be utilised for all? No. It can't be.”
The question of how to prevent sexual assault and rape cannot be answered by killing the perpetrators. Society needs to inculcate a sense that such behaviour is unacceptable and will be dealt with harshly but in the full process of justice.
