Kerala: Crimes against women, minors rising still

Alappuzha: The crimes against women and children continue to increase at an alarming level and 5,169 cases, including 668 rapes and 59 kidnappings, were reported since the abduction and molestation of a film star in February.

The state police’s crime statistics show 2,351 cases including 1,134 under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses Act (POCSO) registered during January-April. 

Ernakulam district tops the list of atrocities against women with 740 while Thiruvananthapuram reached second with 646 cases. 

They include rape and molestation (1,635) kidnapping, eve-teasing  (131) dowry deaths (4) and cruelty by husbands and relatives (1187), despite social justice department's steps to prevent them. 

Earlier this year, SJD with the support of Kerala State Women’s Development Corporation had launched a 24x7 helpline to help women fight harassment. 

Meanwhile, women rights activists demanded strict action to ensure justice to victims and stringent punishment to culprits. 

"Efforts should also be taken to improve facilities at courts for speedy trials. The government should disburse already announced interim relief for sex crime victims, both children and adults, and steps should be taken to induct more women in the police force to make the investigations more women-friendly," said J. Devika.

An alarming 16,960 cases of crime against women and children, including 2,568 rapes, were reported last year.