"Rapists should be sterilised like dogs": Rajasthan Governor's remark sparks outrage

Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagde on Monday advocated for the forced sterilization of rapists, comparing them to stray dogs that are neutered to control their population. Speaking at the oath-taking ceremony of the Bharatpur Bar Association, he stated, “Those who commit rape should be castrated and left to face the consequences,” emphasizing that public humiliation would deter such crimes.

Bagde cited an example from Maharashtra, where a local urban body controlled the stray dog population through sterilization. Drawing a parallel, he said a similar approach should be taken against rapists. “When that person roams around in a village, people will say ‘arey ye wo hai’ (he is ‘that’ person),” he remarked, suggesting that social shame would discourage offenders.

The Governor also condemned bystanders who record incidents of harassment instead of intervening. “I often see people recording videos when a woman is being harassed. Instead of filming, they should step in to help,” he said, further urging immediate community action against perpetrators. He stated, “One should be ready to catch the perpetrator, but that doesn’t happen.”

Bagde referenced historical punishment during the rule of Shivaji Maharaj, claiming that a village head accused of rape had his limbs broken. He criticized the failure of strict laws, including capital punishment for child rapists, to curb sexual crimes. “There are numerous laws and punishments, but criminals still don’t have any fear in their mind,” he said, calling for stronger deterrents.

His remarks have triggered widespread debate, with discussions on the legal and ethical implications of such measures. His statements come at a time when Rajasthan is witnessing protests over multiple sexual assault cases, including the recent arrest of 11 people in Beawar’s Vijainagar for allegedly raping five minors over a month.