Women's Commission Chair Advises Vinesh Phogat: "Don't Damage Your Image"

Renu Bhatia, Chairperson of the Haryana State Women's Commission, has publicly advised Olympic wrestler and newly elected legislator Vinesh Phogat to be mindful of her public statements regarding the Himani murder case in Rohtak. 

During a visit to Jind, Bhatia emphasized that Phogat serves as an important role model for women across the state and country. "Vinesh Phogat is an example for women, so she should not damage her image," Bhatia stated. She further advised that as an elected representative, Phogat should strengthen her connection with women's issues rather than making potentially harmful statements. 

"If she cannot ensure women's safety, she should at least maintain a positive outlook," Bhatia added, highlighting the responsibilities that come with Phogat's new political position. 

Views on Crime Against Women

When questioned about the increasing reports of crimes against women in Haryana, Bhatia offered a different perspective. She claimed that crime rates against women haven't actually increased but rather awareness among women has grown significantly.

"Most of the cases being reported now are actually about ten years old," Bhatia explained. "Women are now more aware and willing to come forward to report crimes that happened in the past."

This statement comes amid growing concerns about women's safety in the state, which has frequently made headlines for violence against women. 

Strong Stance Against Live-in Relationships

Bhatia took a firm position against live-in relationships, claiming they are detrimental to society. "Not a single family has ever prospered because of live-in relationships," she stated.

The chairperson revealed that she has studied more than 12,000 cases over the past few years, and approximately 60 percent of problems stemmed from live-in relationships. This conservative view reflects the deep-rooted traditional values still held dear in many of Haryana's villages and small towns.

Other Key Issues Brought Up

While visiting Jind, Bhatia touched on several other important matters: She didn't hide her frustration about police clearing an IPS officer of sexual harassment charges. "I'm not satisfied with this decision," she said plainly, adding that she hadn't even received any official paperwork about it. 

She pushed back against Khap panchayats wanting to lower girls' marriage age. "The Khaps should think twice about this," she warned, clearly opposing what many see as a backward step. At the women's police station, she took time to speak with female officers, encouraging them to "build healthy competition" with each other to serve better.