Blogger reactions on the molestation of two women by a crowd outside the JW Marriott Hotel in Juhu, Mumbai after a New Years party at the hotel.

Gauri sees a familiar pattern

Women’s associations will cry hoarse.

Women will have to think twice before going on a night out.

The papers and the news channels will hash the issue until we’re bored.

And finally, it will be forgotten. At least until the next New Year’s.

What can we do to stop such events? Who is to blame?

Amhsirak Rian recalls when she was violated

Indeed every woman in Mumbai can recount some story of being groped or eve teased! Personally I have been violated too a couple of times! The first time I remember was when I was all of 16 and attempting to get into a crowded bus after college, a man from behind groped my breast. My first reaction was shock followed by anger where I remember pinching his hand as he yelled but before any further action he ran away! The next feeling and which lingered for a long time was revulsion and shame! It took a lot of consolation from my mother to make me understand it wasn’t my fault, may be I should have covered both my breasts, may be I should have not gone to college that day, may be I should have not worn those clothes. What did I do wrong? Nothing, I realize that now. Molesters don’t need a reason, they are just perverts!

Mumbaikar Neenaz Ichaporia believes that Mumbai is, perhaps, only safer than other places in India

Every time such an incident takes place, we begin to question if Bombay is no longer safe for women. But even I, a woman and resident of the city for 21 years, never thought it was ’safe’ for women, I merely thought, it is perhaps safer than other places in our country. There is no town, city or village, in India, that women can truly call safe. Such a place simply does not exist, not just here, but indeed across the world. But the ’shame’ here is not of the rest of the world. The question is of our own country, and more importantly, our own homes.

Bangalorebeats is relieved that no such incident was reported in Bangalore, but has a list of tips for women to ensure their safety. Such as

8. I hate to play fashion police but for security it may be wise to keep a check on your dress during festive nights. As some crack/loner might see you and might think that you are his only chance to have some good time with a beautiful girl.

Nita updates a grim, old post.

Even in the earlier incident, of the molestation which happened in the crowds cheering the cricket fans, the same thing happened. The girls did not complain. And the molesters got away. In any case, such incidents are very common in cities. The police do nothing. Molestation is considered a minor crime.

Deepa believes the incident isn’t isolated.

In the last 5-10 years, it is practically impossible to travel in a BEST bus especially on the routes in newer suburbs.[..]On an average at least one-two cases of eve teasing and molestation per day (irrespective of rich, poor, dress code, event etc) is reported in Mumbai at least in the media. [..]Just the normal routine life. Dealing with the dhobi, autorickshaw, commuter and shopper in the mall. (Does anyone know there is a category of offenders who frequent malls either singly or in groups only to brush against females? )

Dilip wonders how the Police can dismiss the incident as “such little things happen”.

In Juhu on January 1, a mob of scum molested two young women. [..] The police commissioner of Bombay promptly said this to the press: “such little things happen in every society … the media was creating a mountain out of a molehill.”

I wonder now what I wondered when Symonds was taunted: why would we choose to deny, or at best dismiss as trivial, such incidents? What do we get from defending creeps?