When Vishal Jha, a 21-year-old engineering student from Bengaluru, was arrested in the case of the Bulli Bai app, the college was quoted as saying it would take no action against him, because, “He is a young student and we have to think about his career too.”

My first response was anger. We know this is reserved only for some people, this valuing of humanity, the benefit of the doubt, the excuse of youth for criminality. It comes quickly when it is men from privileged identities, even when they may not necessarily be rich or powerful people—and today, when it is an attack on minorities.