Offences against woman: Sex crimes rise the most in three years

Of all the complaints received by the Crime Against Women cell (CAW) of Mumbai police, sexual harassment cases have recorded the biggest jump in the last three years, as per information released under RTI.

Sexual harassment cases, as a percentage of the overall complaints received by the cell, jumped from 19.78 in 2015 to 28.94 in 2017.

In 2018, for which information was available only till January, the percentage was even higher. At 17 complaints, it made up 94.44 per cent of a total of 18 complaints lodged with the cell.

The details under RTI were provided to Girgaum resident Jeetendra Ghadge.

In 2015, the total complaints stood at 182, those related to sexual harassment were 36. In case of 2017, of the 190 complaints, those related to sexual harassment stood at 55. Most complaints were against the spouse and in-laws, followed by against family.

The information also included complaints made against women — 15 during 2015-18.

As per details, FIR was filed in 15 overall cases since January 2015, of which charge sheet was filed in eight. Cases in which investigation was still underway stood at 11. In four cases there was acquittal or dismissal by metropolitan court and the high court.

"Unless there is fear of law, crimes won't stop. Reforms are needed," said Ghadge.

CAW: HEADLESS, YET OVERSTAFFED

• CAW cell doesn't have a DCP to head it.
   
• Of 77 posts sanctioned, only 46 filled.
   
• While sanctioned strength for the post of hawaldar is 9, there are 15 on duty; for the post of constable, only six of 36 are filled.