Women: A man’s derogatory comment about Smriti Singh, the widow of Kirti Chakra awardee Captain Anshuman Singh, has left social media fuming with users demanding action against the person. National Commission for Women (NCW) has also taken cognizance of the comment and written a letter to Delhi Police demanding immediate and appropriate action against the man. The comment appears on a photo of Mrs Singh at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, where she received the award for her husband who died while trying to save his colleagues at an Indian Army camp in Siachen glacier.
Captain Singh was posted with 26 Punjab as a medical officer.
Captain Singh was given the award posthumously and his wife Smriti and mother received it from President Droupadi Murmu.
While many users posted emotional tribute to the soldier, one user posted a disrespectful comment, which has been termed “lewd” by NCW in its letter to Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora.
The commission also said that the man named Ahmad K, a resident of Delhi, made the comment that contravenes Section 79 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and Section 67 of the Information Technology Act, 2000. “NCW condemns this behaviour and urges immediate police action,” the women’s panel said on X.
NCW has also asked the police to arrest the man and submit a detailed report within three days.
Many people had tagged the NCW demanding strict action against the man and others who shared the screenshots of the comment.
On the night of July 19, 2023, a short circuit led to a fire in an Indian Army ammunition dump at the camp where he was posted. Captain Singh saw a fibreglass hut engulfed in flames and immediately acted to save those trapped inside. He successfully rescued four to five individuals, however, the fire soon spread to a nearby medical investigation room.
Captain Singh went back into the blazing structure. Despite his efforts, he could not escape the inferno, and was trapped inside before dying.
He was cremated with full state honours in Bhagalpur in Bihar on July 22, 2023.
In a significant development underscoring the ongoing fight against online harassment, the National Commission for Women (NCW) has demanded the immediate arrest of a man accused of making lewd comments about the widow of Captain Anshuman Singh. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, highlighting the persistent issue of cyber harassment faced by women, particularly those in vulnerable positions.
Incident Overview
The controversy began when a social media post featuring Captain Anshuman Singh’s widow attracted a series of offensive remarks. Among them, one particularly vulgar comment stood out, prompting the NCW to intervene. The NCW, a statutory body dedicated to protecting and promoting the rights of women, has taken a firm stand, calling for stringent action against the perpetrator to send a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated.
NCW’s Response
Rekha Sharma, the Chairperson of the NCW, expressed her indignation over the incident. “The kind of language used and the disrespect shown towards the widow of a national hero is unacceptable,” Sharma stated. “We demand the immediate arrest of the individual responsible for this lewd comment. It is imperative that we create a safe and respectful online environment for all women.”
The NCW has formally written to the Director-General of Police, urging swift action. In their communication, the commission emphasized the need for a thorough investigation and strict enforcement of laws against cyber harassment and online abuse.
Legal Implications
The case brings to the forefront the legal mechanisms available in India to combat online harassment. Under the Information Technology Act, 2000, particularly Section 67, publishing or transmitting obscene material in electronic form is punishable. Additionally, the Indian Penal Code (IPC) has provisions under Sections 354A (sexual harassment) and 509 (word, gesture, or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) that can be invoked in such cases.
Legal experts assert that while laws exist, their implementation remains a challenge. Advocate Neha Mishra noted, “The laws against online harassment are robust, but the enforcement often falls short. Timely action and stringent punishment in cases like this are crucial to deter potential offenders.”
Public Reaction
The incident has drawn significant attention on social media, with numerous users expressing solidarity with Captain Anshuman Singh’s widow. Hashtags like #JusticeForHer and #StopOnlineHarassment have trended, reflecting widespread public condemnation of the incident.
Activists and public figures have also voiced their support. Renowned author and women’s rights activist, Kavita Krishnan, tweeted, “It’s high time we take a stand against the vile abuse women face online. No woman should have to endure such disrespect, especially the family of our brave soldiers.”
The Way Forward
The NCW’s call for the arrest of the accused marks a critical step towards addressing the pervasive issue of online harassment. It serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting women’s dignity and ensuring a safe virtual space for all. The case also highlights the need for continued advocacy and legal reform to effectively combat cyber abuse.
As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen how law enforcement agencies will respond to the NCW’s demands. The outcome of this case could set a significant precedent for future incidents of online harassment, reinforcing the message that disrespect and abuse towards women, especially those who have already endured significant personal loss, will not be tolerated.
