'False rape' cases soar in Delhi as number of acquittals hits 78 per cent

Rape is sinister, but perhaps equally sinister is the use of false rape charges as a tool to extort vulnerable men.

The number of cases of rape has seen an alarming increase in the Capital after the December 16 gang-rape incident, with two such cases being reported daily on an average.

However, "frivolous rape cases" have also seen a phenomenal rise, with accusations being used when relations go sour, or to settle scores.

Alarming: Delhi saw violent protests after the December 2012 gang-rape incident. Though there is an increase in the number of rape cases, the percentage of 'accused' being acquitted has shot up considerably too

Data from Delhi Police show 616 rape and 1,336 molestation cases were registered between January 1 and April 30.

This is a 36 per cent rise in rape cases against the 450 cases registered in the same period of last year.

Though there is an increase in the number of rape cases, the percentage of the "accused" being acquitted has shot up considerably too.

"In 2013, 1,559 rape and 3,347 molestation cases were registered as compared to 680 rape and 653 incidents of molestation in 2012. However, the acquittal rate in rape cases was 46 per cent in 2012, while it shot up to 78 per cent in 2013.

"Acquittals remain high so far this year as well, accounting for around 72 per cent of the cases," a senior police officer said, on condition of anonymity.

In a recent case, three domestic helps from Jharkhand had registered rape cases against their employers to extort money from them.

The racket was exposed as one individual was common in the complaints filed by the three in all the separate cases, which raised suspicion.

They complainants later confessed that the charges were fabricated before a city court, which directed the police to probe the matter.

"Few years back, I came to the Capital from Jharkhand seeking a job. A placement agency helped me find employment.

"However, salary of around eight months was not paid by the agency and when I went there seeking the dues, people at the placement agency suggested that I file a false rape case against my employer.

Rising figures: The number of cases of rape being reported has seen a shocking increase in the Capital after the December 16 gang-rape incident, which rocked the entire nation

"When I refused to do so, they threatened me of dire consequences and I was forced to file a false rape case with the East district police against my owner and his friend in October 2013," one of the women told Mail Today.

She broke down during the trial at a city court and revealed the truth.

"I disclosed all the facts before the judge. Later, the judge exonerated them and asked the Delhi Police to investigate the matter.



Married woman gang-raped in Mehrauli



A 36-year-old married woman was allegedly gang-raped by three men in south Delhi's Vasant Kunj area on Wednesday night.



The victim was sexually abused by three men in their Skoda car after they offered her a lift. A case of gang-rape has been registered and all the accused have been arrested.

The incident occurred around 10pm when the victim, a resident of Mehrauli area, went out to visit the market and was waiting at a bus stand near the Spinal Injuries Centre.



Two men in a white Skoda car offered her lift.



"The victim accepted the offer. But as soon as she was in the car, the duo started misbehaving with her. The accused identified as Jitendra alias Johny, 38, and Jaibhagwan, 28, took turns to rape her before taking her to the forest area near Nangal Devat.



"They then called their friend Ajay, 28, who also raped the woman. The victim was then dumped by the accused near Andheria Mod area and threatened of dire consequences," a police officer said.