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मुंबई: पिछले साल से कई गुना बढ़ गए महिलाओं के खिलाफ अपराध

MUMBAI: A statistical study of crime in Mumbai in the first three months of 2015 shows that abductions of women rose more than one-and-a-half times (165%) over the same period last year. The response to the right to information (RTI) query also revealed that cases of rapes increased by 43%, although the number of gang-rape cases dropped from seven to four.The data sought by activist Chetan Kothari showed 172 cases of rape cases were registered (against major and minor accused) in January to March this year against 138 in the first three months of last year. Cases of kidnappings rose sharply by 202 in 2015 compared to 76 registered the previous year.Experts and police said higher awareness in Maharashtra leads to more crimes being reported and hence the spurt in statistics. They have found that 95% of rape cases follow false promises of marriage. “Only five per cent of the rape cases are genuine cases of sexual assault,” said an IPS officer, requesting anonymity. He also blamed growing urbanization for the rise in crime.Most crimes against children below 10 years are committed by relatives and people known to the victim or her family members. Similar, the majority of kidnappings of minor girls are cases of elopement.“The RTI information about such crimes in the first quarter clearly indicates a spike in offences against women ,” said Kothari.Former IPS officer-turned-lawyer YP Singh attributed the rise to more aggrieved women coming out in the open and filing cases.Meanwhile, in an audit done in March 2014, the city police had marked 272 isolated places in the city that are unsafe for women and children even during day-time. The audit was carried out after the sexual assault of a 22-year-old photojournalist by five accused at the deserted Shakti Mill compound on August 22, 2013. Police chief Rakesh Maria has taken the audit forward and asked the owners of such properties to beef up security, apart from increasing police patrolling.He has also ordered police officials to take prompt action where crimes against women and children are concerned.“Younger women protest, fight back against injustice and therefore are attacked. Crimes of passion always involve the young as they may remain in relationships till they sour,” said psychiatrist Dr Harish Shetty, adding that “women of all ages are vulnerable to violence”.