Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Kumar Mittal has introduced a landmark National Commission for Men Bill in Parliament, emphasizing the need for equal institutional support and legal protection for male victims. Mittal cited the recent and deeply disturbing Ketan Agarwal case as a stark reminder that men, too, can be victims of crime and injustice.
The Ketan Agarwal Case: A Tragic Catalyst
The legislative push follows the tragic death of 25-year-old realtor Ketan Agarwal, who died after falling from Lohagad Fort near Pune on June 18. The case took a dramatic turn when police alleged that Agarwal's fiancée, Siya Goyal, conspired with her alleged lover, Chetan Chaudhary, to push him off the cliff. Agarwal and Goyal were reportedly engaged and set to marry in November.
The Pune Police investigation has revealed significant developments. Siya Goyal and Chetan Chaudhary are currently in 14-day judicial custody after refusing polygraph tests. Investigators have successfully recovered deleted data from their phones, including chats allegedly using code words, nicknames, and emojis. Authorities are meticulously examining these conversations to determine if a third party was involved in the alleged conspiracy.
Call for Equal Justice and Protection
“The Ketan case is a reminder that men, too, can be victims. They deserve institutional support, legal protection, and a platform where their voices are heard. Justice must be equal for everyone, irrespective of gender,” stated MP Ashok Kumar Mittal in an official communication.
Mittal underscored that the Pune Ketan Agarwal case demands a fair, thorough, and impartial investigation to ensure justice for Ketan and his family. The introduction of the National Commission for Men Bill aims to address what he perceives as a gap in legal and institutional frameworks for male victims. The bill seeks to establish a dedicated platform where men can seek support and have their grievances addressed, ensuring that legal protection is universally applied.
The case has garnered widespread public attention, fueling discussions about gender equality in victim support and the need for comprehensive legal frameworks that protect all individuals, regardless of their gender. The proposed National Commission for Men Bill represents a significant step towards achieving this objective in India.