Two horrific crimes have made national headlines this week, not just for the crimes that were committed, but for the shocking attempt at shielding the accused. In UP, a sitting BJP MLA has been accused of rape by a 16-year-old girl, but the police haven't even filed an FIR and the MLA roams free, smirking and giving TV interviews. In Jammu and Kashmir, the rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl has shaken the state to its core. Two BJP ministers in the J&K government supported a rally by a Hindu group earlier this year, where they protested against the arrest of the accused. Now, the Kathua BAR Association, many of whom have links to the ruling party, tried to physically stop the police from filing a chargesheet, in a shocking display of behaviour that would've had them disbarred anywhere else. They've gone on strike and even called for a Jammu bandh tomorrow. So why? Why are rape accused being shielded?