I am Meena Ahirwar (fictitious name) 17 years old, studying in 12th. In my house, there are mother, father, two sisters and one brother, we work in farming. Last year, I was going to my friend’s birthday party. There is a shop of Kamta Prasad Prajapati in the village. I went to his shop to buy goods. He molested me. I protested against him. He did not agree. I knew from Balika Panchayat that there is a helpline number for those in trouble. I called the police, two hours later the police came and arrested him. The police was reluctant in registering the FIR in the police station. The organization cooperated and after the FIR was registered, he was put in lockup.
I was shocked after that incident. The organization (Grameen Swalamban Samiti) supported me and sent dry ration to my house. GSS helped me with medicines, etc. I had made up my mind to leave my studies. The organization reassured me that I should not leave my studies. That person has made a mistake. Why will you suffer the punishment? You have to focus on your future. The organization helped me with stationary for my studies.
Now that accused is out on bail. The villagers are pressurizing my family to compromise and a case under section 354 has been filed against him. Balika Panchayat increased my self-confidence and taught me to fight against injustice. Now I walk in front of that shopkeeper without any hesitation and he bows his head in shame and guilt. I believe that every girl who is molested should take action against her without any fear. I want to tell everyone that when a girl is molested everyone in her family should support the girl and not taunt her.
Meena (fictitious name)
Village: Bedpur (fictitious name)
Contact Person (Organization Worker): 8305413280