The new year has started with a bang, rather a few myriad bangs, if one has a dark and sick sense of humour.

First, there was the 'bang' of the gunshots that echoed at the IISC campus, a couple of clueless, peace-loving academics the target of frenzied, pervert fanatics who have lost their basic human traits.

Then, there was the gangrape of a minor, invalid working girl in Delhi by three men in an ambassador. Hold on, this was not the worst part. The devastated girl had tried to ask a truck driver for help after the traumatic incident, and the good samaritan raped her again, for good measure.

Today, there's news of a schoolgirl from Noida, studying in Class 10, gangraped after being whisked to a Maruti car by her assailants. Surprise, surprise! The police is on the case and has vowed to find the criminals at large as soon as possible.

Last but not the least, a few days back, a South African model trying to find work in Bollywood, had reported to the police that a couple of people who she knew had invited her to meet them to discuss possible contracts. She alleged that her drink was doctored, and when she regained consciousness, she discovered that she had been raped by her 'acquaintances'. And, as is wont, the police is investigating into the matter.

The new year is just seven days old. And look at the bounty of experiences we already have to chew on. The entire world had been built in six days, and on the seventh day, even God Himself rested. Don't rapists/millitants have a rest day at least?

On the milltants' ploy to attack academics, software parks and similar contributors to India's recent economic rise, agreed it sickens us to the gut, but, the frightening part is: If I am a millitant with my sole purpose in life being to cause India harm, this is a very smart and simple ploy indeed. Just the day before, another technology conference was held in Hyderabad. The results of the Bangalore shootings were loud and clear. Out of the six Nobel laureates who had agreed to come, only one turned up. Of the 40 odd international scientists who were expected, only half were present. If a stray shooting incident can have such a devastating effect, imagine how big and enormous an effect a bombing of an MNC or Indian software company building would have on the software industry. The sad thing is: 'Where there's a will, there's a way' is very apt a saying here. Bangalore has software company offices and software engineers in each nook, corner and crevice. There is simply no practicable way the police can ensure everyone is risk-free.

On sexual violence: It's sad, very sad to see such barbaric acts perpetrated again and again. I may not be diplomatic here, but I always wondered why more crimes against women are committed in the North belt: Delhi, Haryana and Punjab? Why is the nation's capital the most unsafe place for women? Is it in the psyche of people here? Is one subconsciously taught to disrespect women? I agree, acts of rape are committed everywhere, and it's not monopolised by Delhi-ites. but, it seems pretty clear that the frequency of such acts is much higher in the nation's capital than anywhere else. Why?