‘Stay Home to Avoid Rape’: Gujarat Traffic Police’s Posters Ignite Public Outrage

Ahmedabad faced a storm of criticism after posters with the message, “Stay home to avoid rape,” appeared in localities such as Sola and Chandlodia. A local organisation called Satarkta put up these posters, and the Gujarat traffic police reportedly sponsored them. The posters warned women not to attend late-night parties or take friends to dark, isolated places, claiming this behaviour could lead to rape or gang rape. One poster said, “Attending late-night parties could invite rape or gang rape.” Another warned, “Do not take your friend to dark, isolated areas. What if there is a rape or gang rape?” The blunt and sexist tone sparked widespread public anger and criticism on social media.

Citizens and activists questioned how officials allowed such shocking messages to appear under their name. Dr Bhumi Patel, a resident of Ghatlodia, asked, “How could officials allow posters with insensitive messaging that blame women for sexual violence? What kind of scrutiny took place before permission was given?” Many people felt the posters wrongly shifted responsibility onto women instead of focusing on holding offenders accountable.

Gayatri Shah, a fitness trainer from Bodakdev, said, “They undermine the very idea of public awareness by spreading fear and control instead of responsibility and protection.” Minal Solanki from Nehrunagar added, “These posters show a mindset that blames victims and lets institutions off the hook for failing to ensure safety. They rely on fear-mongering instead.”

Senior traffic police officials moved quickly to distance themselves from the problematic messages. Neeta Desai, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic West), explained that they authorised the Satarkta group only to display general traffic awareness posters. She stressed, “We did not approve content related to women’s safety or sexual violence.” Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic) N N Chaudhary said firmly, “We never approved such language. It is unacceptable.” He clarified, “Satarkta was allowed only traffic posters, not messages laced with threats of sexual violence.”

Shailesh Modi, ACP (Traffic Admin), confirmed, “We removed the posters,” and conceded, “They appeared indecent.” Many welcomed the quick action, but people also questioned how oversight failed for such official campaigns.

This incident highlights the ongoing challenge of creating gender-sensitive public messages. Citizens and activists call on authorities to avoid language that blames or controls women. They urge the use of messages that empower and protect everyone equally. The controversy in Ahmedabad reveals a wider need to rethink how safety messages are designed to promote respect, responsibility, and fairness.

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