Citizen groups to take battle against harassment to streets

Determined to ensure swift and stringent action against the men who murdered Keenan Sentos and Reuben Fernandes, citizens' groups are taking the vast online campaigns a step further, advocating a no-tolerance policy for sexual harassment.

Determined to ensure swift and stringent action against the men who murdered Keenan Sentos and Reuben Fernandes, citizens' groups are taking the vast online campaigns a step further, advocating a no-tolerance policy for sexual harassment.

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On Thursday, Abraham Mathai, general secretary of the All India Christian Council, met home minister RR Patil to demand that the case be treated as a special one and tried in a fast-track court.

Members of youth NGO Yuva Satta, meanwhile, have launched a campaign to demand better policing and to address the root cause of the incident: Sexual harassment. "We want the government to make molestation and sexual harassment laws more stringent and to make these non-bailable offences," says Maitrayee Avashat.

On Saturday, the NGO plans to launch a signatures drive at popular pubs, clubs and restaurants across the city. The citizens' charter will then be presented to the home minister. The NGO also plans to file a public interest litigation demanding better laws against sexual harassment. It also set up a 'Zero Tolerance Campaign' page on Facebook on Thursday, which acquired 780 members within just hours of its creation.