Chapter 5: Viral Outrage
She began screaming and creating a scene. “My daughter was violated! If you don’t hurry up and arrest this rapist, there’s no justice! You’re obviously taking bribes, that’s why you’re stalling and refusing to open a case. You think you can bully us single mothers and small kids because we’re powerless!”
She stomped her foot, voice echoing through the police station. “Aap log toh hamesha paisa kha lete ho! Gareebon ki sunta kaun hai?” Her accusation made even the inspector’s face darken, lips tightening into a thin line. The constables looked away, embarrassed.
Seeing the officer’s face darken, she realised she’d gone too far and quickly pointed at me again. “You can even hurt such a little child. Aren’t you afraid of karma?”
She pressed her palms together, looking at me with loathing, “Bhagwan sab dekh raha hai! Teri saza yahin milegi!” The drama of the moment was straight out of a Hindi serial—tears, curses, and public shame.
I didn’t want to argue with her anymore. I turned to the officer beside me. “Sir, I didn’t do it. She’s slandering me.”
I forced myself to speak softly, my throat burning. “Sir, yeh sab jhoot hai. Main aisa kuch nahi kiya. Aap check kar lo.” My faith in the system was all I had left.