There has been a consistent rise in crimes against women, between 2012 and 2013, according to figures on crimes against women from the Mumbai police.
According to figures from the Mumbai police, the city registered a total of 394 rape cases in 2013, of which 241 cases involved minors. The corresponding number for the year 2012 is 231 rape cases – an increase of around 71% in the registration of rape cases with the Mumbai police.
Molestation cases registered under IPC section 354: outraging the modesty of a woman, saw a 97% increase. While the Mumbai police recorded 590 cases of molestation in 2012, the number increased to 1,161 in 2013.
Kidnapping of women has also increased, the records reveal. While 251 cases were registered in 2013, only 141 such cases were registered in 2012, an increase of 78%. Similarly, the kidnapping of minor girls increased from 121 cases in 2012 to 216 cases the following year. Chain snatching cases, where women are the usually targets, also rose by 185%. While only 727 cases were registered in 2012, the number increased to 2,078 in 2013.
Mumbai commissioner of police Rakesh Maria said several measures were being taken to ensure women’s safety, ranging from regular patrols to sensitisation of police personnel when handling cases of crimes against women.
“The staff that handles the 103 helpline is being trained and they will have a database of women personnel available to help as soon as a call is received. If there is no woman personnel available at the police station close to the crime scene, personnel from a neighbouring police station will be sent immediately. This should be put into effect in the coming week,” Maria said.
He added, “Regular patrols during the night should be in effect within two to three days… Senior officers are in the process of preparing logisitics and infrastructure to ensure patrolling on approach roads to crowded areas.”
