The safety of women and children in Andhra Pradesh has become a matter of serious concern under the present government. A shocking crime recently unfolded in Veerapanenigudem village, Krishna district, where a minor girl was abducted and gang-raped for three days. According to reports, the girl went missing after leaving a friend’s house, only to be kidnapped by a group of youths. She was held captive on the outskirts of the village, subjected to brutal sexual assault, and later abandoned.
The minor victim, whose identity is protected due to legal reasons, belongs to a lower-middle-class family and was reportedly targeted while returning home. The accused are believed to be local youths, who, taking advantage of the absence of strict law enforcement, committed the heinous crime.
The incident has triggered widespread anger and protests across the state. Citizens, activists, and women’s organizations have strongly condemned the crime, demanding swift and severe punishment for the culprits. The public has also expressed frustration over the failure of law enforcement agencies in preventing such atrocities. The police have launched an intensive investigation and arrested the accused & assured that strict action will be taken on them.
The Disha Application, introduced by the previous government of Andhra Pradesh, was a landmark initiative aimed at enhancing women’s safety. Launched as part of the Disha Act, the app provided a quick and efficient emergency response system, allowing women in distress to seek immediate police assistance with just a single tap. The app was widely promoted, and significant efforts were made to increase awareness among women, students, and working professionals.
Despite its proven effectiveness, the present government has largely ignored the Disha App, leading to rise in crimes on women. To restore public confidence, the government must revive and strengthen the app, relaunch awareness campaigns, and ensure police efficiency in responding to distress calls. Ignoring women’s security can have dire consequences, and immediate corrective measures are needed to protect lives.
