Crime against children in Maharashtra rise sharply

Figures released by the Maharashtra police shows that kidnapping and rape cases of children in Maharashtra have seen a significant spurt in the year 2017 compared to its correspondent years. According to the statistics provided by State Crime Record Bureau, the crime against children in the state has increased to 15,534 from 13,941 and 13,591 in the year 2015 and 2016 respectively. The statistics revealed that around 147 children were brutally murdered and 2305 were raped last year.

What is more surprising is, around 8850 children were kidnapped last year compared to 6960 and 8016 in the year 2015 and 2016 respectively.The total number of crimes registered against children have risen from 3,362 in 2011 to 15,534 cases in 2017. In several past cases, the police have arrested close relatives and family members of the victims, such as their uncles, cousins, friends, and sometimes even their fathers.

A police officer speaking on condition of anonymity said, "People fear to report such matters and often avoid registering cases because of the stigma attached. The victims suffer violation and harassment on a daily basis, leading the child into depression. However, in most cases, the parents or the family does not realise the sensitivity of the matter and ignores the behavioural change in their child."

"The number of missing cases have been increased as the police have started registering kidnapping cases in the missing reports so that the police can investigate and reunite the missing child with family," he added.