Patna: Public outrage erupted on Sunday as hundreds of women and social workers staged a massive protest march in the Phulwarisharif area of Patna against the brutal gang rape of a three-year-old girl.Led by Padma Shri recipient Sudha Varghese, social activist and founder of Nari Gunjan, the demonstrators marched through the streets, raising voices for justice. The protest began at Naya Tola in Phulwarisharif and passed through Shaheed Bhagat Singh Chowk, Thana Mor and Pethiya Bazaar before culminating at the Phulwarisharif block headquarters, where it turned into a public meeting.Carrying placards and banners, the protesters raised powerful slogans such as “Justice for the innocent” and “Hang the criminals”, demanding the immediate execution of those responsible for the heinous crime.Addressing the gathering, Varghese expressed deep anguish over the incident, asking how daughters could be safe in society when family members themselves were involved in such barbaric acts. She sharply criticised the government and administration for failing to protect girls despite repeatedly championing the slogan “Save the daughter, educate the daughter”.Varghese said it was the moral duty of the government to ensure a safe environment for every girl. She called for a speedy trial under the POCSO Act, strict security measures to prevent such brutality, and the harshest possible punishment for the culprits to set a strong example in society.Social activist Tabassum Ali also addressed the protesters, saying such shocking incidents had raised serious questions about the law and order situation in the state. The women participants issued a strong warning to the administration, cautioning that any delay in delivering justice in the case would force them to launch a much fiercer movement across the region.The incident took place on the night of April 3 in the Phulwarisharif locality of Patna, when the toddler was allegedly raped by her uncle and two accomplices while she was asleep at home. She was taken to a nearby deserted area, where the crime was committed. Police arrested the accused after the survivor’s mother registered a case.
