Rapists need to be rehabilitated. This is a fact that was brought home to me only when I heard of how some men accused of this heinous crime in 2002 were recently felicitated in a state that shares its borders with Maharashtra. Eleven of them had been convicted, then set free, because our new India is that kind of country. Apparently, the criminals stepped out of prison to greetings with garlands and sweets, after which they were applauded publicly in an auditorium. It proved once and for all that the only progressive state in our country is the one right next to our own. We just don’t give it its due.

This is a state that no longer locks away criminals because it recognises that they deserve second and third chances, too. It is also one of few states with the right attitude towards crime, which is why so many criminals now have opportunities to become respected citizens. It’s also why it is a place where criminals can aspire to bigger and brighter things, and why they may even dream of new careers in politics. Some have already succeeded.