In a disturbing case from Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, a 37-year-old shopkeeper named Ajeet Chauhan was arrested for allegedly drugging and raping six young males over a span of seven months. The victims, aged between 10 and 23, were lured to Chauhan’s home, given sedative-laced drinks, and then sexually assaulted. The crime came to light only after one of the survivors leaked videos of the assaults to the media, reported TOI.
Chauhan, a local shopkeeper, had installed CCTV cameras in a room of his house to record the assaults. He reportedly used the footage to blackmail the victims into silence or for further exploitation. Following several police raids, Chauhan was caught and a formal complaint was lodged by the mother of one of the survivors.
An FIR was registered under Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for “unnatural sex”, Section 506 for criminal intimidation, and relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POSCO) Act.
However, the existing legal framework in India, particularly under the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) law, does not adequately address sexual violence against men and transgender individuals.
The introduction of the BNS on July 1, 2024, omitted crucial protections for male and transgender victims. While Chapter V of the BNS focuses on offences against women and children, it does not provide specific legal provisions to safeguard men and transgender individuals from rape and sexual violence. Previously, Section 377 of the IPC addressed non-consensual penile penetrative sex, but its removal has created a legal void, leaving male and transgender victims without clear protection, according to reports.
This goes on to highlight the absence of legal protections for male victims of sexual violence in India. The absence of inclusive laws proves how deep-rooted patriarchal norms make it difficult for men to report sexual crimes, often leaving them without justice or support.
People on social media have been demanding an urgent review of the BNS to ensure that all victims of sexual violence, regardless of gender, are adequately protected. Here’s what they had to say:
Just a reminder that the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, India’s new penal code, has no section dealing with rape of men and transgender persons. This needs an urgent review as men are also vulnerable to sexual assault by men. https://t.co/BM2VyMOoSa
— #MeTooIndia (@IndiaMeToo) August 28, 2024
Now this is assault on MEN.
By a man.Urgently hoping men will speak up and not call this a false case and speak for their own gender.
Speak up for sexual assault in young boys and men.
Will you? https://t.co/m8i2SG1zrs
— Chinmayi Sripaada (@Chinmayi) August 27, 2024
The victims are male. The perpetrator is a male. Will men get together and raise their voices for these Victims and accept the ills of our society, and work towards cleansing it instead of larping about women saying ‘all men’ on social media? https://t.co/Hef2EdO0UG
— Javachip Frappuccino (@DebuggingDamsel) August 28, 2024
Almost 95% of the desi men of all ages who get molested aren’t even aware that they’re being molested.
And when they do realise, they shrugg it off with a bath or keep it to themselves due to feeling shame.
They know they’ll be shamed-mocked if they complain abt it. https://t.co/49Q1NUAoh6— లివ్ . Live (@BlahBlah4518) August 28, 2024
What are your views on this incident?