Savdhaan Kashmir: Rape cases surge by over 21%; activists call for self-defence training for girls

SRINAGAR: Sexual predators are on the prowl in Jammu and Kashmir. Rape cases have increased by 21.58 percent in Jammu and Kashmir in 2021.

National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) 2021 report has revealed shocking details about the crimes against women in Jammu and Kashmir. 

Around 315 cases of rape under section 376 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) were registered in Jammu and Kashmir last year. Likewise, 14 cases of attempt to commit rape under section 376 and 511 IPC were registered last year. Nearly eight incidents of unnatural offences involving five victims too were registered last year.

In 2020, 243 rape cases involving 247 victims were registered in Jammu and Kashmir. At least 10 attempt to rape cases were also registered in different police stations.  Eleven cases of unnatural offences were also reported from Jammu and Kashmir.

Last year, 1723 cases of assault on women under section 354 IPC were registered in Jammu and Kashmir. Similarly, 14 cases of sexual harassment and 86 cases of assault or use of criminal forces on women with intent to disrobe were registered in Jammu and Kashmir. Two cases of voyeurism and 28 cases of stalking were also registered in 2021

In 2020, 1639 cases of assault on women involving 1658 victims were registered in the union territory last year. Three cases of sexual harassment at workplaces were also reported last year.

Police have registered 56 cases related to the use of criminal force on women with intent to disrobe in 2020.  Three cases of voyeurism and 31 cases of stalking have also been registered in 2020.

“Earlier, people used to take to streets to lodge protest. Some were taking candle marches against these criminals. Now, they too have fizzled out. Crime against women is increasing at an alarming level. We would request the administration to impart self defence training to girls so that they could defend themselves during exigencies, ” said Urja Singh, a noted social activist.   

Last year, police registered 1013 cases of kidnapping involving 1041 victims.  Likewise, 16 cases of abduction for murder involving 17 victims were also registered.

NCRB data revealed that   27447 different IPC crimes were registered in Jammu and Kashmir in 2021. In 2020, the number was 25233. Likewise in 2019, the figure was 22404.

Nearly 4228 crimes under State Local Law (SLL) were registered in 2021. The number was 3678 in 2020. In 2019, 3004 crimes under SLL were registered in Jammu and Kashmir.

NCRB data revealed that there has been a marginal decline in murder cases. In 2021, 136 murder cases involving 164 victims were registered. Similarly, 27 incidents related to culpable homicide not amounting to murder involving 30 victims were registered.  Nearly 513 cases of attempt to murder involving 583 victims were registered last year.

In 2020, 183 people were murdered. Around 143 cases of murder under section 302 IPC were registered in 202. Likewise, 581 cases of attempt to murder involving 677 victims were registered. Around 581 cases of death caused by negligence were booked in 2020.