Posters allegedly linked to the Ahmedabad Traffic Police have triggered widespread backlash for carrying victim-blaming messages under the guise of a road safety campaign.
The posters, seen in areas like Sola and Chandlodia, warned women against attending late-night parties or going to isolated places, suggesting they might get raped or gangraped. One poster read, “Do not attend late night parties, you could be raped or gangraped,” while another warned, “Do not go with your friend to dark, isolated areas, what if she is raped or gangraped?”
Though the posters were quickly taken down, they sparked sharp criticism from opposition leaders and activists, who condemned the messaging as regressive and misogynistic. Critics argued that such campaigns shift the responsibility for crimes onto victims, rather than addressing systemic issues or focusing on accountability for offenders.
The Ahmedabad Traffic Police have not confirmed if they officially sanctioned the posters, and no official clarification has been issued as of yet.
The incident has reignited debate around public safety messaging and the state of women’s safety in Gujarat, with many demanding that authorities focus on preventive policing and gender-sensitive education instead of propagating fear-based restrictions on women’s freedom.