Women, especially of the lower classes in central India, sexual violence—especially gang rapes—is an oftentimes an uninvestigated crime. In Madhya Pradesh, the State Assembly records report that from December 7, 2003 to June 30, 2007 over 1200 gang rapes were reported. Most of the sexual violence was perpetrated against women from lower socioeconomic classes. Although lower classes within India are protected under the Constitution, discrimination still persists. Rasheed Kidwai, a political analyst and writer, stated that gang rape is often used as a weapon for upper class men to show their power. This year, the perpetrators in sixty-four of the 136 cases have not been arrested.
Compiled from: “Caste Difference Contributes to Violence against Dalit Women-Central India,” Niazi, Shuriah, Women News Network, 27 January 2008.