Jyoti Singh, known as Nirbhaya (“fearless”), was a 23-year-old physiotherapy intern tragically victimized in the horrific 2012 Delhi gang rape. Her courage in the face of unimaginable brutality spurred significant social change in India.
Wiki/Biography
Born in 1989 in Ballia District, Uttar Pradesh, Jyoti Singh moved to Delhi with her family. She completed her schooling in Delhi and aimed to become a doctor. After failing the PMT (Pre Medical Test), she pursued physiotherapy, completing her course in Dehradun before returning to Delhi for an internship in Gurugram.
Family
Jyoti belonged to the Bhumihar community, a Hindu caste. She was the daughter of Badrinath Singh and Asha Devi and had two brothers. She was in a relationship with Awindra Pratap Pandey, a software engineer.
Nirbhaya’s Parents
Badrinath Singh and Asha Devi, Jyoti’s parents, became prominent advocates for justice and women’s rights following their daughter’s death. Their tireless efforts contributed significantly to raising awareness about violence against women in India.
Nirbhaya’s Brother
Jyoti’s brothers, alongside her parents, actively participated in the fight for justice and continue to work towards preventing similar tragedies. Their collective efforts underscore the profound impact of the case on the entire family.
Nirbhaya’s Boyfriend
Awindra Pratap Pandey, Jyoti’s boyfriend, was also a victim of the brutal attack. He played a vital role in providing crucial details to the police investigation, despite suffering severe injuries himself.
Death
On December 16, 2012, Jyoti and Awindra were returning home after a movie. They boarded a private bus where they were brutally assaulted by six men. Jyoti suffered horrific injuries, including the penetration of a metal rod.
After the attack, they were thrown from the moving bus. Jyoti was initially treated at Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi, then transferred to Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore, where she succumbed to her injuries on December 29, 2012.
Delhi Gang Rape Bus Route
The route of the bus, and the details of the attack, were meticulously pieced together during the investigation. The horrific details of the crime shocked the nation and led to widespread protests and calls for reform.
Protest For Justice & The Court’s Verdict
The brutal crime sparked massive nationwide protests. Thousands demonstrated at India Gate and Raisina Hill, demanding justice and highlighting the pervasiveness of violence against women in India. International condemnation followed the incident.
The investigation, led by IPS Officer Chaya Sharma, successfully apprehended all six accused within 24 hours. Ram Singh, the bus driver, later died by suicide in custody. A juvenile offender was sent to a correctional facility.
The four adult convicts were sentenced to death in 2014, a verdict upheld by the Supreme Court. They were finally executed in 2020. The case spurred significant legal and societal changes, with a renewed focus on women’s safety and justice.
Timeline of Key Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| December 16, 2012 | Nirbhaya is brutally assaulted on a bus. |
| December 29, 2012 | Nirbhaya passes away in Singapore. |
| December 2013 | Nirbhaya Trust established. |
| March 13, 2014 | Death sentence for convicts upheld. |
| March 20, 2020 | Convicts are executed. |
Nirbhaya Jyoti Trust
Established in 2013 by Jyoti’s family, the Nirbhaya Jyoti Trust provides crucial support to survivors of sexual violence.
The trust offers shelter, legal aid, and counseling, embodying Jyoti’s legacy of fighting for justice and empowering women.
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