The statistics are harrowing — and speak volumes about the deep-rooted crisis afflicting the world’s most populous nation. In India, an average of 86 rapes are officially reported each day. Yet the real number is believed to be far higher. Many survivors remain silent, fearing stigma or retaliation, while police often hesitate to register complaints.
In the western state of Gujarat — both prosperous and deeply conservative — the story of 17-year-old Kinjal sheds light on an India grappling with the systemic scourge of sexual violence.
Three years ago, Kinjal, a member of the Dalit community — historically labelled “Untouchables” and relegated to the lowest rung of the caste system — was raped by the son of a wealthy landowner from a dominant caste. In an attempt to suppress the case, the perpetrator’s family offered Kinjal’s parents land and €100,000 — a small fortune.
But Kinjal’s father refused the hush money and chose instead to seek justice through the courts. It was a rare act of defiance — and a direct challenge to the entrenched power of upper castes. As a symbol of his commitment, he vowed not to cut his hair until his daughter’s case reaches justice.
Supporting Kinjal through her legal and emotional ordeal is Manjula Pradeep, a prominent Dalit activist who has dedicated her life to defending survivors of sexual violence. Pradeep remains hopeful that every woman she helps might be the last to suffer such trauma — even as she knows the fight is far from over.
For six months, the ARTE Reportage team followed Kinjal and her family in their pursuit of justice — an intimate journey through the complex and painful realities of Indian society, where caste-based violence and traditional patriarchal norms continue to shape the lives of hundreds of millions of women.
Directors : Antoine Védeilhé, Abhijeet Pandey
Editor : Thomas Pham-Hung
Production company : Keyi Productions
Images : Thomas Blanc, Germain Baslé, Antoine Védeilhé
Additional : Jules Pilorge, Mathieu Beaudouin, Léa Delfolie, Abhijeet Pandey