NCRB data show 33.1% of crimes against women in 2016 recorded in Capital

Delhi continues to record the highest number of cases of crimes against women in 2016 among metropolitan cities despite a drop compared to previous years, according to the latest data released by the National Crime Records Bureau on Thursday.

The city ranks number one in terms of crime rate and accounts for 33.1% of cases relating to women’s safety among metropolitan cities.

Most rape cases

Delhi accounts for the maximum number of rape cases among 19 major cities at 40% and nearly 29% of cases involving cruelty by husband and his relatives or dowry deaths.

Crimes against women in Delhi have decreased from 17,222 in 2015 to 15,310 in 2016, a drop of 11.1%. In 2016, the Delhi accounted for 2,155 cases of rape, 669 cases of stalking and 41 cases of voyeurism, followed by Mumbai where 359 cases of stalking and 28 cases of voyeurism were reported. The city records highest number of cases of stalking in all metropolitan cities. As many as 783 cases were reported under insult to modesty of woman.

As per NCRB data, a total of 3,746 cases of assault on women with intent to outrage her modesty were reported. This includes 741 cases of sexual harassment.

Pending cases

A total of 18,127 cases, including those from previous years, are pending for investigation. However the Delhi police have submitted charge sheets in 7,963 cases. The city holds the second position with 61.4% after Chennai in terms of disposal of pending cases.

In the 2,301 cases in which trials were completed, 679 persons were convicted and 1,622 persons were acquitted or discharged. The conviction rate was 29.5%. The city courts hold 21,666 cases, including previous cases, pending for trial.

A total of 1,620 cases under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act(POCSO) were reported during the year 2016.

“We have introduced e-FIR and always convert complaints into FIR for proper action.

Fall in cases

The last three years’ figures reflects that there is a continuous downfall in cases of crime against women in the city. And women’s safety is a top priority of the Delhi police,” said Deependra Pathak, spokesperson, Delhi police.

Mr. Pathak added that the Delhi police have also introduced community policing to make the city safe for women.