Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bangade on Monday stirred a heated debate by suggesting castration as a deterrent for convicted rapists. His remarks came during an oath-taking ceremony of the district bar association in Bharatpur, where he emphasized the need for strict action to curb sexual crimes.
Drawing a stark comparison, Bangade referenced the practice of dog castration in Maharashtra to control their population. “There is a Nagar Panchayat in Maharashtra where too many dogs were increasing, so castration was done to reduce their number,” he said. “Similar measures should be taken for rapists. Castrate them and leave them. When others see them, they will remember what they did.”
The governor stressed that unless such criminals are held accountable with severe consequences, society will continue to face the threat of sexual violence. He also criticized the bystander culture where people film incidents of harassment rather than intervening. “Until we change this mindset, sexual crimes will not stop,” he asserted, calling for collective action to support victims.
Bangade further urged lawyers to ensure swift and accessible justice for victims. “Justice should not only be done but should be delivered in a timely manner. Lawyers must use their expertise to help the common people,” he said.
His remarks come in the backdrop of Rajasthan leading the country in reported rape cases. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), the state recorded 5,399 rape cases in 2022, the highest in India for the fourth consecutive year, followed by Uttar Pradesh (3,690), Madhya Pradesh (3,029), and Maharashtra (2,904).