Three Tragic Killings in One Month Raise Questions About Youth Safety, Family Communication and Social Responsibility
“Freedom does not mean that a person can do whatever they want. It also means having an equal right to do what is right.” This basic idea of freedom has become an important subject of discussion after a series of tragic incidents reported in Assam this month.
Three separate murder cases — the killing of Nimisha Thakuria at a homestay in Dharapur, Guwahati, Riya Talukdar in a flat in Basisthapur, and Malani Guriya at a hotel in Rangia — have shocked people across the state. The cases have raised serious questions about the safety of young people, relationships, family communication, responsibility and the need for stronger safety measures in hotels and homestays.
A notable aspect of the cases, according to the details available, is that the victims and the accused involved were reportedly below the age of 25. The incidents also reportedly involved people known to the victims, including husbands or romantic partners. These cases have therefore brought renewed attention to the safety of young women and the risks that can arise within close relationships.
However, whether these crimes can be directly linked to “excessive freedom” is a much more complex question. Freedom by itself cannot be treated as the cause of a crime. Violence can have many causes, including unhealthy relationships, conflict, lack of communication, social pressure, substance abuse, criminal behaviour and failure to recognise warning signs. The recent incidents, however, provide an opportunity to discuss whether young people are receiving enough guidance about personal safety, responsible relationships and decision-making.
The Nimisha Thakuria case, in particular, has triggered public discussion about young people staying at private accommodation such as homestays. Reports that the 22-year-old had allegedly visited a homestay with her partner several times have also raised questions about parental awareness and the responsibility of accommodation providers. Such personal choices should not automatically be treated as evidence of wrongdoing, but questions relating to safety, identity verification and emergency monitoring deserve serious attention.
Homestay safety comes under scrutiny
Guwahati has witnessed a steady growth in homestays in recent years. Houses, flats and buildings in different parts of the city are increasingly being used for homestay businesses. Information about many such properties is easily available through online platforms and search engines.
For families and visitors coming to Guwahati, homestays can offer a convenient and affordable place to stay. But recent incidents have also brought attention to the safety standards followed by some accommodation providers.
Identity verification, proper guest records, entry and exit details and functioning CCTV systems can play an important role in preventing crime and helping police investigate incidents. If guests are allowed to stay without proper identification or if accommodation providers fail to maintain basic records, it can create serious security concerns.
The police and local administration therefore have an important role to play in ensuring that accommodation businesses follow applicable rules and maintain proper records. At the same time, homestay owners and operators must understand that guest safety is not simply a business responsibility but also an important public safety issue.
Parents and children need better communication
The recent incidents have also brought another important issue into focus — the relationship between parents and their children.
Today, many young people leave their homes for higher education, jobs and other opportunities. Guwahati, being an important educational and employment centre, has thousands of students and young people living away from their families in hostels, paying guest accommodation and rented houses.
In such circumstances, parents cannot monitor every movement of their children. But regular communication can help families understand what is happening in a young person’s life — including friendships, relationships, emotional difficulties and safety concerns.
Instead of only imposing restrictions, parents need to create an environment where children can openly discuss their problems. A young person who is afraid of being judged or punished may hesitate to tell parents about an unhealthy relationship, a threat or an unsafe situation.
Trust, communication and awareness can therefore be more useful than fear alone.
Has discipline changed with time?
Another question being discussed is the changing relationship between students, teachers and parents.
In earlier generations, teachers were often given a stronger role in maintaining discipline. Today, educational institutions operate in a very different social environment, where student rights and individual freedom are given greater importance.
Respect for students’ rights is essential. At the same time, education cannot be limited to textbooks and examinations. Students also need to learn about personal safety, healthy relationships, emotional well-being, legal rights, responsibilities and the consequences of risky decisions.
Teachers should not be expected to control every aspect of a student’s personal life. But they can play an important role as mentors by identifying warning signs, providing guidance and connecting students with parents or appropriate support systems when necessary.
The goal should not be excessive control. The goal should be a balance between freedom, safety and responsibility.
Young people also need to understand personal safety
Personal freedom also comes with personal responsibility. Young people need to understand that certain situations can carry risks, especially when they are in unfamiliar places or with people whose intentions they do not fully understand.
Sharing one’s location with a trusted person when visiting an unfamiliar place, keeping emergency contacts available, avoiding isolated or suspicious locations and seeking help when a situation feels unsafe are simple precautions that can sometimes become important.
This does not mean restricting the freedom of young people. Rather, it means helping them make informed decisions about their own safety.
Education must go beyond textbooks
Schools and colleges can also contribute significantly to creating a safer society.
Along with academic education, students can be taught about personal security, healthy relationships, consent, legal rights, digital safety, emotional well-being and responsible decision-making.
Parents, teachers and students should be able to communicate openly. A student should feel comfortable approaching a teacher or counsellor when facing a serious problem.
At the same time, teachers must maintain a balance between guidance and unnecessary interference. Students have their own rights and choices, but they should also understand the possible consequences of dangerous decisions.
The bigger question
The three recent murder cases have left Assam with difficult questions. Is society changing faster than our systems of family communication and social responsibility? Are young people receiving enough guidance about relationships and personal safety? Are accommodation providers following adequate safety procedures? And are parents, teachers, police and society responding effectively to the changing realities of young people’s lives?
There may be no single answer.
What is clear is that freedom and responsibility cannot be separated. A modern society cannot move backwards by simply demanding greater control over young people. At the same time, freedom without awareness, safety and responsibility can expose people to serious risks.
The need of the hour is therefore not simply more restrictions, but better communication, stronger safety systems, responsible accommodation practices, awareness among young people and a supportive relationship between parents, teachers and students.
The three tragic incidents should not become reasons to blame an entire generation or question the personal choices of every young person. Instead, they should encourage society to look seriously at how violence can be prevented, how vulnerable people can be protected and how young people can be given both freedom and the knowledge needed to use that freedom safely.
A healthy society is not one where people are simply controlled. It is one where people understand their rights, respect the rights of others, recognise danger and take responsibility for their choices.
