Gurugram registers highest number of rape cases in last five years
Gurugram: With 4,577 cases in all, Gurugram registered the highest number of crimes against women in Haryana between November 2014 and July 2019. It was followed closely by neighbouring Faridabad at 4,325. Moreover, with 663 cases of rape, Gurugram also led with a number of sexual assaults.
In a more disturbing trend that came forward, it was revealed that Gurugram also leads in a number of sexual assault cases against the minors. There were 354 cases registered under the protection of children from sexual offences Act (POCSO). Co-incidentally the figures were way lower than Faridabad that has total 412 cases of sexual crimes against minors.
The official data from the Gurugram police reveals that on an average 15 children go missing from the city every month. In 2018, there was a total of 187 children who were abducted. Out of this, there were 50 boys and 137 girls.
In all, there were 42,665 cases of crimes against women registered in the state of Haryana. The data was disclosed by Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar who is also the home minister of the state, in the legislative assembly.
Lack of infrastructure like the development of proper helpline has also increased the troubles for the victims. While difficulties of getting through the police helpline number of 100 are well documented as reported from some of the previous cases, the Haryana police have launched Durga Shakti app. The exclusive app has various inbuilt features which will help the women in distress anywhere in the area. The App also consists a panic button for use, in case one is not in a position to make a call, five minutes after the Panic Button is pressed. Providing widescale accessibility is still a major challenge.
"It is unfair to target the police every time. Yes, there are times we commit mistakes but most of the rape cases have been solved by us. A greater emphasis must also be paid to change the regressive mindset of some members of the society," said a senior official from Gurugram police.
Finally, the slow pace of the justice system results in most victims of rapes and molestation backing out in the fight for justice. While most of the cases get rejected on account of fake cases, many litigants also do not pursue their case because of long duration.
