Some goons in our locality are causing trouble...

They pass unsavoury comments and whistle whenever we pass by. Their rowdiness is more pronounced after sunset when the streets are emptier. Most of these men don't even have a job and spent the entire day roaming on the streets. I tried complaining at the nearby police station but it didn't help the case. Nothing seems to discourage them. I don't know what else to do. I'm carrying a pepper spray can with me just in case but none of them have physically threatened me yet.
- Sarla

Illustration/ Amit Bandre

Dear Sarla,
It's good to know you won't take things lying down. There aren't many like you out there. But having said that, it's better not to get into trouble. Especially when there are goons in your locality who don't know how to behave and then like you mentioned, even the police haven't taken any steps yet. That's more worrisome. I'd advice you to be safe and not get into any verbal tussle with these attention-hungry hoodlums. They are a product of years of indiscipline. Just be strong and don't bother with them. Our society has failed in a lot of ways. This is just one of them. u00a0