Victim becomes role model for women

The 30-year-old BPO employee, who was abducted from Dhaula Kuan and gangraped in a pick-up van, has become a role model for women in distress across the city.

The 30-year-old BPO employee, who was abducted from Dhaula Kuan and gangraped in a pick-up van, has become a role model for women in distress across the city.

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The NGO that counselled the victim after the incident has been flooded with phone calls by women who want to know how she overcame the trauma.

The victim’s initiative, despite the ordeal, eventually led to the arrest of two of the rapists from Mewat region. It was primarily because of the victim’s efforts that the police nabbed the accused.

“Women from and outside Delhi called to ask us how the victim could maintain her equilibrium despite going through so much, even to the extent that she provided vital clues about the accused that led to their arrest. They wanted to extend their support to her,” said Rajat Mitra, a clinical psychologist with Swanchetan, an NGO that counselled the victim.

The victim recognised the accused in the test identification parade, too, even though they had shaved and got haircuts to mislead her.

“The victim gave us details about the mannerisms of the accused, their accent and the bundle of notes they left with her,” said HGS Dhaliwal, deputy commissioner of police (south). “The description that the pick-up van had flowers painted on its rear and a word with M on it helped us crack the case.”

The police said the victim's testimony will be used as key evidence in the case against the accused. The men were nailed through their distinct behavioural pattern. “She was of immense help in solving the case,” Dhaliwal said.

“Many women do not make the effort to retrieve the details of the crime. They can take inspiration from victim to give up their fears,” said Mitra. “Even her friend got over the guilt as to why she survived and could not protect her friend.”