'We don't feel safe'

Kalpana, Executive Secretary

As someone who is totally dependent on autorickshaws for commuting, I am really taken aback by this incident. Everyday after work, I go to Malleswaram and pick my daughter up at around 8.30 pm, and we go back home to Sahakaranagar via Hebbal. I dread to think what will happen if the auto ever breaks down.

Looks like we will have to switch to travelling by bus now, because if a bus breaks down, you at least have fellow passengers around you. I feel extremely unsafe in the City, especially in my area, as recently, an elderly lady was the victim of a chain-snatching incident here.

Adele, Executive Secretary

We are definitely not safe in the City. It’s not like how it used to be in the late 90s, when one could take walks late in the evenings or go alone somewhere. Now, everyone has second thoughts of what’s going to happen before embarking on a journey. I always think before going somewhere, and whether I really need to go to that place.

Most of the time, I walk to my destination, or else, my husband drops me. Travelling by an auto is definitely the last option for me. It’s a good thing to see that such incidents are at least being reported and people are becoming aware of them.

Mamtha, Student 

I feel horrible and vulnerable thinking about the incident as it could have happened to me. Plus, it happened at a place close to my house so I am all the more scared. The auto driver had no right to do what he did. Besides, the public needs to react and lend a helping hand to a person in trouble. They should think what if they were in that position?
As far as safety is concerned, I don’t feel safe at all. There are a number of auto drivers, who are helpful but then, there are a majority who think they can just take people for a ride.

Hema, Student  

Women don’t have much freedom in Bangalore. I have been through many scary situations myself. Once when I was waiting at a bus stop, a drunk man started talking to me. I felt so unsafe. As per their whims and fancies, the auto drivers keep asking people for more money. Such incidents should be brought to the notice of the authorities and immediate action should be taken.

Rachel, Senior Executive Secretary

It’s atrocious, horrid and there should be some law to control these auto chaps. What good is our law if it can’t protect women from incidents like these? I hope serious action is taken against the auto driver and that there should be punishments laid down for them for committing such an atrocious act. They have no right to take law into their hands like this.

Devika, Graphic Designer

I am beginning to feel a bit insecure in the City. I don’t feel confident of moving around, especially late in the evenings. It’s frustrating to see such incidents as no action is being taken against the offenders. Something should be done to help us gain confidence to go out there and feel safe.

Auto drivers are rough and unfriendly, especially to outsiders. It’s a sad affair because there are many nice auto drivers but they are all put down because of a few bad ones.