There has been an 80 per cent rise in sexual harassment cases against women on Mumbai locals this year, statistics released by the Mumbai Government Railway Police reveal. There were 76 cases of crimes against women, including rape, molestation and kidnapping, registered between January 1 and November 30 this year compared to 42 cases in the same period last year.
The number of rape cases increased from one to five. The GRP solved all the rape cases registered in both the years. Molestation cases rose from 21 in 2012 to 42 in 2013. The Thane railway police registered the maximum number of molestation cases — seven. It was followed by Kurla (6), Dadar (5) and Kalyan (5). Of these, the GRP succeeded in solving 40 this year.
There were 14 cases of intention to molest registered with the GRP — five more than last year.
Kidnapping cases rose from four to eight.
Rajendra Pal, senior police inspector of the Mumbai GRP, told dna that the sudden increase in the number of cases registered is because women are not afraid of lodging complaints. “Such crimes went unreported earlier as women would hesitate to approach the GRP. The Delhi gang rape and murder case in 2012 awakened the nation and created awareness about women,” he said. Pal said the scenario is gradually changing and women are now not shy to discuss molestation cases with their families.
The setting up of a woman’s cell at each railway police station in October 2012 by Mumbai GRP commissioner Prabhat Kumar has also helped, said Pal. The cell comprises a police officer, five constables, including three female cops, to file complaints from women. Also, Kumar has instructed all GRP officers at police stations not to turn away any complainant.
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