So, you know how every second Instagrammer swears by Udaipur’s dreamy lakes and royal vibes? Well, recently, the City of Lakes has hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons. Tourists are packing not just sunscreen and juttis, but also mustering up extra courage. And let’s be real, nobody should have to feel unsafe while chasing Bollywood-level holiday shots.
1. Crimes That Kill the Vibe: Udaipur’s Troubling Timeline
In November 2024, a Thai tourist was shot after a money dispute at a Udaipur hotel, yeah, not your average plot twist, but unfortunately, a real one. The accused dumped the injured woman at Pacific Hospital’s gate and vanished like villains in a masala movie. Flashback to March 2017, an Austrian tourist was molested by a massage parlour owner, no, we’re not joking, and yes, the guy was arrested, but the damage was done. Rewind even further to 2011: a French woman fought off an attempted rape by a restaurant owner. Udaipur, bro wtf, what’s happening?
2. Not Just an Udaipur Problem: It’s a National Kaand
As much as we want to say “it’s just bad luck,” reality check, it’s not. The problem is bigger, and India’s got receipts: In March 2024, a Spanish tourist was gang-raped in Jharkhand while on a road trip with her husband. The swift arrests in this case happened after major media outrage. Stats don’t lie, India reported over 31,000 rape cases in 2022 alone, with a clear trend upward. Yeh sab sirf Udaipur ka scene nahi hai, it’s nationwide.
3. Are Things Getting Better? The Good, The Bad, The Sketchy
Sometimes, compensation cheques are given out to victims under official schemes, but it’s honestly a bit of a lottery, not a guarantee. The kicker? Low conviction rates and loads of cases that never even get reported (or reach justice) make many lose faith in the system.
4. Tourists, Alert Mode: Some ‘Jugaad’ For Staying Safe
While the system sorts itself out (fingers crossed), there are some precautions tourists can take. Before you book a lake-facing haveli, Google recent news about your destination. Choose hotels, cabs, and guides that have legit reviews. If the only review says “Best place for true adventure,” maybe swipe left. Keep local emergency numbers and your embassy details handy, think of it as your IRL cheat code for sticky situations. Stay alert, trust your gut, and remember: No touristy vibes are worth risking your safety over.
The Bottom Line: Women Deserve Better
No one’s saying stop exploring or cancel that dream Udaipur trip. The city’s beauty is still iconic, but these stories can’t just get drowned out like last year’s Holi colors. It’s everyone’s job, locals, police, policymakers, and yes, even us armchair activists, to make sure women feel safe and respected.
