When stalking goes beserk

H. Kishie Singh

There was a very unpleasant ‘happening’ in Chandigarh recently: the Varnika episode. However, there are some important lessons to be learnt.

The one thing that stands out is that Varnika Kundu is a very brave girl. But what saved the day was the girl’s presence of mind. That is the first lesson. Had Varnika panicked for one moment, the outcome would have been very different.

According to media reports, the situation was extreme: two drunken goondas out for fun. Even under such a life threatening situation, Varnika followed a set procedure.

The goondas allegedly followed her car and then drove alongside. Frightened and alone, she made all the right moves. She zig-zagged through the sectors — this is called evasive action. She was trying to get on to Madhya Marg when the goondas blocked her way. She reversed and zoomed off. They followed her. When she got to the next traffic light, a goonda got out again, banged on her window and tried to open the door! The police were waiting at the red light and nabbed the man in action. While being chased, she had the presence of mind to call the police. Another lesson learnt.

Keep your phone handy, within easy reach. Make sure the last call was to the police before you start driving so you don’t waste time in scrolling. Do this before you start driving. 

Make sure your seat belt is on. Even if the goonda does manage to open the door and tries to drag you out, the seat belt will defeat his nepharious designs.

Here is another very effective safety device. An after sales fitment is a remote open-lock switch. When the car reaches 20 kmph, all four doors lock automatically. 

Also, worth taking up is the fact that women have a habit of leaving their bags on the seat, where it is easily visible. Better keep it on the floor boards, out of sight. If in full view, the street urchins will not hesitate to open the door at a red light, grab the bag and disappear!

A pepper spray is another effective deterrent. It should be instantly available at hand. Speed of action is your weapon.

Even if the goonda opens the door or shatters the glass, welcome him with a blast of pepper spray. Blinded and in pain, he will stagger away. This is all the time you need skedaddle.

Another deterrent you need is a whistle, easily bought at a children’s store. A shrill blast, continuous or spasmodic, establishes authority. It also alerts people of the danger and draws attention. If you are driving late at night, put it around your neck. Even if you are separated from your cell phone and pepper spray, this will be in easy reach and ready to use. A shrill, ear-splitting shriek from the whistle will stop the goonda in his tracks.

The cell phone and pepper spray should be in a secure place. All cars have cubby holes for easy storage. Don’t put them on the passenger seat next to you. Should you have to slam on the brakes, these items will go flying onto the floor boards. If you have to fumble, the goonda will have the upper hand.

There are so many things that can go wrong. Think about them and how to counter them. Goondas are bullies. The minute they face resistance, they crumble.

Learn from Varnika, girls, and feel proud. Chandigarh has given you a braveheart!

Happy Motoring!