How does this sentence end?

I get jeered at. I get groped. I get subjected to all manner of sexual harassment on a daily basis. Regardless of what I wear. Because I walk home from work, I make it a point to dress in baggy jeans and T shirts/kurtis. But the harassment is unrelenting. In light of my experiences, going sleeveless, wearing shorts or wearing anything appropriate for an Indian Summer is simply out of the question. But I’m still talking from a place of privilege. I get to walk into my house and lock my door and be me without judgement or fear.

Hundreds and thousands of women across the country resign themselves to this fear all the time. We are a broken system, fractured repeatedly by the attitudes, behaviour and structures that give men the right to subjugate women.

Which brings me to my point.

So far, I’ve remained silent on the sentencing of those found guilty in the Nirbhaya case. Not because I have no opinions on it. But because my opinions raise questions that I cannot answer.

I’ve heard the cries for blood, and I’ve heard the cries for restraint, and I’ve seen both sides ripping each other to figurative shreds.

I understand the grand hypocrisy of a state that sanctions and perpetuates atrocities, then passing judgement on a few individuals who have done the same.

I’m not blood thirsty myself. Heck, I nudge stray ants out of harm’s way before turning on the shower. But I would be lying to the world and myself if I said I’m unhappy with the death sentencing in this case. THIS case. That’s what I’m saying.

For a moment, forget all the cases where women, men, children and animals are brutalised by both random civilians and agents of the state. Leave aside the far worse caste, class and whatever have you based violence that demands equal if not more scrutiny and judgement. For a second, just shut the hell up.

Look at this case. Look at what these men did to that girl.

Because they literally ripped her to shreds while we were liking status messages on Facebook.

Do I think the death sentence is a deterrent to similar types of heinous crimes? Of course not. But why is this about setting an example of any kind?

As a child, when I did something wrong, I was punished. My mum didn’t drag me out on the street and punish me in front of the whole world to set an example to other kids. It was never about that. She punished me for me. And I got the message loud and clear. When did punishing someone become about others’ reactions/actions? Why can’t it simply be about the rapists getting sentenced for the crime THEY committed?

So I have to ask. Would more people be okay with the death sentence if it was carried out by a clan of Dexters? Who covertly go around ridding the world of antisocials? Do you have a problem with the death sentence or the state carrying out the death sentence? Because I’m wholly supportive of the Dexter proposition.

What I’m not in favour of is state funds spent reforming these monsters or maintaining them behind bars. Maybe the state machinery is responsible for making them monsters, maybe it’s not.  Either way, I’d rather funds were utilised for gender sensitivity, women’s empowerment and bridging structural inequalities.

If four men that I’ll probably never meet are hanged, will I feel safer walking on the street? No. But do they not deserve to be hanged for what they did? I for one think they deserve worse.

Asking all the educated and enlightened, what is the just punishment for those four men in this specific case?