UP Police registered over 1,000 Rape Cases in 5 months
On 24th August, 2016, the Uttar Pradesh State Government said that 1,012 rape cases and 4,520 harassment cases were registered in UP from 15th March-18th August 2016. The government was responding to a question posed by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) member Satish Mahana in the State Assembly. A crime branch is being set up in every district under Additional SP (crime) for the same.
The Irony
National Crime Records Bureau show Uttar Pradesh to have the the highest number of crimes among all Indian states; however, its high population reduces its per capita crime rate, making it the third safest state to live in India.
UP least safe for women as per NCRB Crime Chart
As per a report released by the National Crime Records Bureau, Uttar Pradesh is the most unsafe state for women to live in. In the year 2014, 38,467 cases were registered in Uttar Pradesh and the figure denotes only crimes against women. Uttar Pradesh had the highest number of gang-rapes and kidnapping of girls in 2014, with 573 gang-rapes and 10,628 kidnappings.
CAG on Rising Crime in Uttar Pradesh
The Comptroller and Auditor General of India observed a steep increase in crimes against women in the state of Uttar Pradesh, in a report made on the same on 23rd August, 2016. This report was tabled in the State Legislature; it holds utmost importance ahead of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly Elections, which are a mere few months away.
Findings of the Report
The report discovered that crimes against women between 2010-2011 and 2014-2015 have increased by 61% In 2013-2014, crimes against women rose to 31,810 from 24,652 in 2012-2013. In 2014-2015, 1619 minor girls (aged 11-18) were raped as opposed to 1,033 in 2012-2013. Attacks on minor girls to outrage their modesty rose from 2,280 in 2012-2013 to 4,297 in 2014-2015.
Failed Security Measures
According to the report, the recommendation of Union Home Ministry to increase the number of women force in the state to 33% was ignored; female police account for 4.55% out of the total number of police in Uttar Pradesh. Rs.15.03 crore sanctioned by the Centre as assistance was also not used by the State Government from 2010-2012, despite of 3,544 rape occurrences.
Violence in Uttar Pradesh
"As compared to total number of violent crimes in the country, UP tops the list with 12.7% and crime against the women are maximum. If the shortage of force is not attended immediately then the situation will become worse," said the CAG.
