Crimes against women reduced in 2018: Report

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, January 13

In 2019, safety of women is among the most critical priorities for Delhi Police, while 2018 saw a decline in crime against women in Delhi, as per Commissioner Amulya Patnaik. Overall, in 2017, the crime against women was 5,955 that came down to 5,787 in 2018.

In 2018, molestation of women came down by 3.05 percent with 3,175 reported cases as compared to 3,275 in 2017. Matters of insult to the modesty of women (509 IPC) 621 cases were reported in 2017 compared to 569 in 2018.

In 2018, 2,043 rape incidents were reported compared to 2,059 cases in 2017. In 2018, 95 percent cases were solved compared to 91 percent in 2017, as per Special Commissioner of Police Satish Golcha (crime). In most of the rape incidents, victims were known to the accused and involvement of strangers in rape was just 2.5 percent in 2018 compared to 3.36 percent in 2017, he said.       

Under ‘Sashkti’ programme, 1,419 women were trained in self-defence in 2018, which was organised at schools, colleges and other venues. All-Women Patrolling Squad were formed with women police staff deployed in 15 police control room vans and 46 women police personnel trained for this job. The women squad would serve as a force multiplier to ensure safety and security of women while commuting on road and at public places.

The initiative of the squad was conceived with twin objectives. On one hand, it is designed to give a greater sense of security and comfort to the girls and women moving on road and at public places, for their personal and professional pursuits. On the other, it is a step forward in encouraging and motivating female police personnel by making the system more inclusive for them and putting them at the proactive front of field policing.

The squads have been equipped with motorcycle with four riding gear, a gypsy with a women police officer as the driver and incharge to lead the patrol team, wireless sets, protection team and firearms. They were given specialised training in driving and riding and in the maintenance of the squad vehicles. Overcoming odds, the women police officers developed into an effective and forceful unit. The patrol squad has also been trained in weapon handling, firing and unarmed combat, he said.