Gurugram sees 22.3% rise in rape cases

Sanjay Yadav

Gurugram, December 12

With 14 rape cases a month, Gurugram lives up to its notoriety when it comes to crime against women. This year, the city has recorded 126 rape cases till September whereas the number was 103 during the corresponding period last year.

According to police data, the first nine months saw a 22.3% rise in rape cases in the city. Sexual crimes against children rose by 10.4% while cases of sexual harassment and molestation fell by 17.8%. The number of gangrape cases during the period remained the same. While sexual crime cases against children surged to 138 till September, against 125 last year, the number of gangrape cases remains the same at eight.

In contrast, as many as 101 cases of molestation and sexual harassment have been registered in the first nine months, while the number was 123 last year. Child abduction cases have also fallen to 16, against last year’s 35.

Raising concern, Dr Anju Rawat Negi, a lawyer and social activist, says: “While the police data suggests 14 rape cases a month, the number may only be 20% of the total cases that go unreported.” Police Commissioner Mohammad Akil attributes the higher number of rape cases to more victims approaching the police due to growing awareness and ease of approaching police.