Crimes against women are continuously increasing in the country. The government makes many claims regarding women’s safety but there is still no fear in the hearts of criminals. Although criminals feel scared, how can the system that punishes criminals themselves be criminals? National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) has revealed shocking figures. These figures show that between 2017 and 2022, more than 270 cases of rape of women in custody have been reported. According to NCRB data, the criminals include police personnel, public servants, members of the armed forces besides employees of prisons, reform homes, detention centers and hospitals. Women’s rights activists have blamed the lack of sensitivity and accountability in the law enforcement system for these incidents.
The situation has improved in the last few years
According to statistics, 89 cases of rape against women were reported in 2017, which came down to 60 in 2018. Whereas 47 cases were reported in 2019, 29 in 2020, 26 in 2021 and 24 in 2022. One thing is clear from these figures that the number of such cases is decreasing in the last few years.
Highest number of cases were reported in Uttar Pradesh
Cases of crimes against women in custody are registered under section 376(2) of the Indian Penal Code. If we consider which state has recorded the highest number of cases of violence against women, then Uttar Pradesh is at the top. 92 cases have been registered in this state of the country between 2017 and 2022. After UP, Madhya Pradesh stood second. 43 cases have been registered in MP.
Women suffering from weak custody arrangements
According to Poonam Muttreja, Executive Director, Population Foundation of India, the custody system in our country provides opportunity for abuse where government employees often use their powers to satisfy sexual desires. There are many instances where women are detained for their safety or because of their vulnerable status such as theft and domestic violence and then subjected to sexual violence. These incidents show misuse of power under the guise of administrative protection.
