The rape crime triggered a mass protest across the country. But it must have protested long back... India, once a beacon of diversity and secularism, now finds itself grappling with a surge in hate crimes, social inequality, and political manipulation that threaten the very fabric of its democracy. Recent events, such as the tragic case of Bilkis Bano and the appalling statements from political leaders, highlight the deepening chasm between the values enshrined in the Indian Constitution and the reality on the ground. Bilkis Bano, a victim of one of the most horrific gang rapes during the 2002 Gujarat riots, was recently in the spotlight again when her attackers were garlanded by members of the ruling party. This act of blatant insensitivity towards the victim, coupled with the continued support for her rapists, underscores a dangerous trend of normalizing violence against minorities. Even more disturbing are the comments from a BJP MLA, who likened the act of raping Muslim women to pr...