We certainly hope not, but the most crucial question that is being posed to us right now is -- should we accept it as the sad and cruel part of reality? Let's analyse the probabilities. It is by now certain that lack of good governance and accountability in the police force have put the lives of the most vulnerable members of the society into grave risk. Otherwise how could so many innocent children become victims of such brutal and heinous acts of violence? Secondly, it only reflects the diabolical mindset of those who commit such unpardonable crimes. And ultimately failure to catch the criminals and lack of accountability in that has only contributed in the increasing rate of such mindless acts.

Those working to ensure child rights in the country have already raised alarm that the level of violence against children has been awefully rising of late. There are laws to protect them, and very strict ones at that, but whether that are being able to keep the children safe is a question that needs serious attention. Speakers and activists would give eloquent speeches at various functions organised to observe Child Rights Week, but the children want assurance of their safety. Can they provide that? We always say that children are the future of a nation; nurturing and protecting them should be our prime concern for a better and prosperous future. But are we doing enough to perform our duty?