While the state government is actively implementing the Ladaki Bahin Yojana to empower women, the city is witnessing a troubling rise in crimes against them. According to a Right to Information report, incidents of rape have increased by 16% compared to the previous year. On average, 25 women and girls fall victim to such heinous acts every month. These alarming figures highlight the growing concerns regarding women’s safety.
Right to Information (RTI) activist Abhay Kolarkar had requested data on rape incidents and other crimes. The information revealed that from January to August this year, 90 minor girls and 113 women were raped in Nagpur, averaging 25 cases per month. In 2023, the total number of rapes stood at 263, with an average of 21 cases per month, indicating a concerning rise in such crimes.
Meanwhile, the city’s kidnapping statistics are equally alarming. Over the past eight months, Nagpur reported 257 kidnapping cases, with an average of one young woman being abducted every day. These figures add to the growing concerns about women’s safety in the city.
Dowry cases still haunting
Despite claims of societal modernization, outdated mindsets still persist, leading to issues like dowry. From January to August, three dowry cases were reported in the city. Additionally, 193 cases of domestic violence were filed by women against their husbands or in-laws, further highlighting the ongoing challenges women face.
When will ‘Laapata Ladies’ be found?
In the past eight months, 1,310 women were reported missing from various police station jurisdictions in the city. While 1,162 of them have been found or returned, 148 women remain missing. Authorities are now facing a significant challenge in locating these women.