In 99.5% rape cases this year, victim knew the perpetrator

Of the 1,189 cases of rape registered till July 31 this year, in only six instances were the perpetrators unknown to the victims, Delhi Police data shows.

According to the data, in 42.89% of the total cases, family friends were found to be the culprits and other acquaintances were suspects in 31.29% cases. In 10.09% of the cases, neighbours were suspects, and co-workers or employers were found to be involved in 2.86% cases.

Overall, 1,189 cases of rape were registered till July 31 this year compared to 1,133 in the same period last year, the data shows.

Suman Nalwa, deputy commissioner of police (public relations), said sexual assault is a criminal as well as a social problem.

“The sick mentality cannot be wished away. But we have to ensure that our children and young women are aware that they can approach the police and know about our helpline numbers. Secondly, parents and guardians need to talk to our youngsters about ‘the good and the bad touch’ and notice changes in their behaviour and to instil confidence in them. The Delhi Police takes these crimes seriously, and make all efforts to solve these cases. Since most of these crimes happen behind the walls, the police only come to know about them as and when they are reported,” she said.

Sagar Preet Hooda, special commissioner of police (law and order, zone-2), said in order to make the police more accessible for women victims of violence, more women officers have been posted in the field, pink booths have been set up, dark spots have been identified and intensive patrolling is done in such areas. Women help desks function round the clock in police stations, and special helpline numbers for women have been set up. “All crimes against women are taken seriously and efforts are made to ensure not only that the culprits are brought to book but also that maximum punishment is meted out to them.” he said.

Jayashree Velankar, the director of Jagori – a Delhi-based NGO working for women empowerment -- said the fact that persons known to women are targeting them is an indicator that ”the culture of impunity is all-pervasive”.

She said that in cases where the perpetrators are known to the victims and their family, the women are discouraged from approaching the police.

Jitendra Kumar Jha, Supreme Court lawyer who represented the December 16 gang rape victim’s family, said that the number of rape cases registered after the 2012 case went up suddenly. “The entire system is required to be streamlined. Scientific recording of statements of witnesses and investigation and timebound filing of charge sheet must be mandatory,” he said.

All efforts are made to ensure that maximum punishment is meted out to the culprits.

SAGAR PREET HOODA, special commissioner of police (law and order, zone-2)