• By Pooja’s city, Rajkot, where an initial, stunned silence gave way to righteous glee. Angry citizens demanded an official inquiry into her “dubious character” while her in-laws — reluctantly arrested at last — claimed their bahu had a previous “marriage.” (Clearly a crime worthy of severe punishment, which any decent lady would have borne with dignity).

• By fellow females in general, and one struggling Gujarati actress in particular, who theatrically retraced Pooja’s fateful march swathed in pristine white — to “erase her blot on womankind.” (Proof, if it is needed, that women are their own worst enemies).

• By the “liberal” media, which generously supported her “feminist” cause, with reams of gratuitous footage and front page spreads. (Meanwhile, in Rajkot, video clips of Pooja’s “roadshow” — as one newspaper sensitively described it — are selling faster than fresh, hot ganthias on a Sunday morning).

• By the ministry of women and child development which conducted an inquiry into the “shameful” incident, and hinted darkly that Pooja may have been sexually exploited or “trafficked” before she was harassed. (Obviously, mere cruelty is not criminal enough).

• Finally, by every Indian citizen who watched mutely while a fellow human being bared body and soul to plead for justice and compassion.

Meanwhile, stalked by liberals and bigots alike, our hapless heroine has vanished into hibernation. “My life is over” she says. “I have lost everything.” Come back, Pooja; it is we who have lost.