Rape becomes normalized in India under current government leadership
February 25, 2026 • Al Jazeera
Here is a rewritten version of the article in a neutral newsroom style:
Government Officials React to Bill Gates’ Epstein Links Amid India’s Ongoing Rape Crisis
Court documents related to late financier Jeffrey Epstein continue to surface, sparking international attention and criticism towards powerful men who can quickly become reputational liabilities. In New Delhi, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates was expected to deliver the keynote address at the AI Impact Summit but ultimately did not attend due to controversy surrounding his past meetings with Epstein.
The incident highlights the swift public reaction to scandals that threaten reputations and diplomatic optics. However, this sensitivity is juxtaposed with India’s ongoing struggle with violence against women. According to recent reports, gang rapes have become a regular occurrence in the country, with many cases going unreported or unpunished.
Data from government sources indicates an average of 86 women are raped every day in India. The cases often involve gruesome and violent crimes, including decapitation, strangulation, and burning. Despite the high number of reported incidents, there is little evidence that the government is taking adequate action to address the issue.
Recently, a convicted rapist was granted bail by a high court, sparking widespread outrage among women’s rights activists. The case involved a teenager who was gang-raped by associates and had her father murdered in police custody. The incident highlights the ongoing struggle for justice and accountability in India’s rape crisis.
In recent months, several high-profile cases of gang rape have been reported in various parts of the country, including Meerut, Faridabad, Odisha, Delhi’s suburbs, Bikaner, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, and Kanpur. The statistics on rape cases in India are staggering, with many victims facing trauma and intimidation.
The government has maintained that it is working to restore law and order, but critics argue that the administration’s response to the crisis has been inadequate. The incident involving Bill Gates serves as a reminder of the public’s expectation for accountability from those in power, particularly when it comes to issues like rape and violence against women.
Source: Al Jazeera