Since 2012, crime against women on rise in Himachal

WHITHER IS ABODE OF GODS? DGP says increase due to rising awareness, better reporting, social activist refute

SHIMLA: The brutal gangrape and murder of a 16- year-old student in S him la di strict’ sKotk ha it eh sil has pointed finger sat the increasing rate in crimes against women in Himachal Pradesh.

Figures sourced from police records reveal that there has been an increase in crimes against women in last five years.

In 2012, a total of 183 rape cases were registered in the state. By 2014, it increased to 284, but fell to 244 in 2016. This year, so far 104 rape cases have been registered.

Similarly, cases related to molestation have also seen an upward trend. In 2012, there were 248 molestation cases registered in the state. By 2014, this clocked to 519 and fell to 405 in 2016. The figure for this year stands at 191 cases so far.

However, on the other hand, there has been a general decline in the case of eve teasing. In 2012, there were 63 cases of eve tea sing. This increased to 76 in 2014 but fell down to 50 in 2016. The figure for 2017 stands at 27 cases.

Speaking to Hindu stan Times about the increase in the number of registered cases related to crimes against women, director general of police (DGP), Somesh Goyal said this increase is a reflection that the women are getting more aware and are coming forward to file these cases.

“The rising trend that you see can be attributed to more and more women coming out and reporting these crimes. It also shows the willingness of the police to freely register crimes,” the DGP said.

He further added, “We have established eight women police stations in the state at Shimla, Mandi, Dharamshala, Baddi, Kullu, Sirmour, Una and Bilaspur. More such police stations will be set up in other districts shortly. W have also set up anti human trafficking units in Shimla, Kangra, Sirmour and Kullu.”

However, social activists differ from the DGP’s interpretation of the increasing trend.

Falma Chauhan, vice-president of All India Democratic Youth Federation, said,“Crimes against women have increased in the recent past due to an overall deteriorating law and order situation in the state. The government must act at the earliest.”