Crimes against women, children still increasing in State

From A Reporter

SHILLONG, April 2: Crime against women and children in Meghalaya particularly rape cases continues to increase, even as pressure mounts on the state government from various social organizations to stomp the issue by taking serious steps and action.

According to police data, as many as twenty-three rape cases were reported in the State between January 1 and February 23, 2017.

As per police data, in 2016 the total of rape cases under section 376 IPC comes to around 91 cases which also include 1 gang rape case which took place in December.

Meanwhile, rape under section 376 IPC against children in 2016, totals to around 25 cases and 112 cases were registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act 2012 (POSCO). The total crimes against women as per police data in 2016 in Meghalaya stands at a whooping 293 cases, while crimes against children totals at 218.

The people of the state are frustrated with the increasing crimes against women and children in Meghalaya.  A frustrated citizen of Shillong city, said, “I’m annoyed because almost every day when I wake up and pick up a newspaper to read there will always be a report of rape and this is very frustrating, hence we need immediate action from the government to wipe out this mece form our state.”

It may be mentioned that this year alone till February 23, as per police statistics there were three cases including a gang rape in East Khasi Hills, six including a gang rape in Ri Bhoi district, five in West Khasi Hills, three in West Jaintia Hills, two in East Jaintia Hills, five including a gang rape by juveniles in South West Khasi Hills and two cases including a gang rape in North Garo Hills.

Further there are over 600 rape cases pending with various courts in Meghalaya and low conviction rate is being seen as one of the major causes for spurt in sexual crimes. Just recently, on March 7, a female body was found by the side of the road at Ichamati near the North Eastern Indira Ghandi Regiol Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS) at Mawdiangdiang on the outskirts of the city.

The incident even prompted the Home Minister HDR Lyngdoh to make a suo motu statement in the last Assembly session.