Cases of rape and attempt to rape on the rise in Haryana

CHANDIGARH: Despite numerous steps, including increased presence of women police and establishment of women police stations, by the state government, the number of reported cases of rape and attempt to rape have gone up in Haryana.

While the overall number of reported instances of crime against women has come down a bit in first seven months (January 1 to July 31) of 2016 as compared to corresponding period last year, there is an increase of 3% in the number of rape cases in the state, according to data given by chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar in his written reply to a question in the Haryana assembly.

While 617 rape cases were registered in the seven-month period last year, the number is 637 this year. Gurgaon, Kaithal, Karnal and Sonepat have shown a disturbing trend with the number of rape cases going up. But what is more worrying is the 27% jump in the number of attempt to rape cases - 70 reported incidents in first seven months this year as compared to 55 during the corresponding period of 2015.

As per official data, the incidents of molestation have seen a drop, but the number of cases of kidnapping of girls or women is more or less the same. There is an increase in dowry deaths and acid attack cases, though. The CM, in his written reply, listed women police stations in all districts, four-digit women helpline number 1091, mahila PCR vehicles, help desks at 38 sub-divisional headquarters, district-level special cell for women and children, anti-eve teasing staff in districts among measures taken by his government to strengthen the security of women in the state.