From August, ‘Register 26’ to check crime against women & children

Shimla, July 23

Beginning August 1, maintaining a register on offenders of crime against women and children will be mandatory for all police stations in Himachal Pradesh. Orders have been issued to probe cases pertaining to gender crime on a priority basis and in a swift, professional manner.

“We have decided to add ‘Register 26’ to record cases of crime against women and children in order to prepare a database for reference in future cases,” explained DGP Sanjay Kundu. As per police rules, 25 notebooks/registers are maintained at every police station but there is no provision for a register on sex offenders.

“Register 26” will be maintained for different categories of crime — rape, unnatural sex, molestation, outraging the modesty of a woman, obscene and indecent representation, sexual harassment/remarks, stalking, domestic violence, kidnapping, abduction and immoral trafficking. Cases of abetment to suicide on account of sexual violence, dowry death, child marriage, forced abortion, child pornography and cyber crime will also come under its purview.

Crime details, physical, social, economic and psychological profile of the accused would be noted down in the register. The modus operandi adopted by the accused would also be mentioned. — TNS