Sex -Crimes.

Unsafe capital: 212 rape cases in first five months

Rahul Tripathi, TNN, May 26, 2010, 05.29am IST

NEW DELHI: When it comes to crime against women, Delhi Police’s own records make the picture quite clear: the capital remains unsafe for women. This year so far, 212 cases of rape have been registered in Delhi i.e on an average every 24 hours, at least one case of rape is registered.

Even more alarming is the fact that despite the police claims of tough enforcement and action against the accused, the number of crimes against women has increased this year. Last year, 210 rape cases were reported till May 25. Molestation cases too have seen a rise — 135 cases have been reported so far compared to 130 cases reported in the same period last year.

The police claim they solve most of the rape cases with the arrest of the accused. ‘‘ Crime in Delhi has shown a decline and we have been able to solve most of the cases,’’ said Rajan Bhagat. The police, he says, has launched anti-obscene caller and anti-stalker helplines to make sure the city is safe for women.

Earlier this month, two girls of Carmel Convent School were attacked by a man in Chankyapuri.

The police are yet to make any breakthrough. Recently, an 11-year-old girl was raped and killed by her neighbour in Mehrauli. The police initially even refused to file the missing report in the case. As a result, the search for the girl was delayed . Her decomposed body was found a few days later.

Similarly, a few weeks ago a 25-year-old woman, who was out on a joyride in her friend’s new Mercedes car, was molested by him in South Delhi. The accused allegedly held her captive inside the car and drove around south Delhi for an hour before dumping her near her house.

Some police officers admit that rape is a big problem in Delhi but say that law alone can’t deal with it. ‘‘ Rape is a social problem and can only be solved through proper counseling. This process should involve parents, teachers, counsellors and all law-enforcing agencies,’’ said a senior police officer.

In 2009, a total of 452 rape cases and 540 molestation cases were reported. Nearly 85% of these cases, claimed police, were solved.

rahul.tripathi@timesgroup .com