Rise in rape cases in Hyderabad shocks NCW, seeks police report on safety measures

Hyderabad: National Commission for Women (NCW) chairperson Rekha Sharma on Tuesday took cognisance of the Jubilee Hills gangrape case and highlighted the repeated instances of rape of minor girls in the city.

The NCW took cognisance of a news article that reported that five cases of rape of minor girls had taken place in the city in a week.

“The article states that two more incidents of rape involving minors were reported in Hyderabad on Monday, the fifth in a week. The commission has taken serious note of the increasing rate of heinous crimes against girls and women in Hyderabad district of Telangana. The role of police is not only to protect and prevent crimes but also to take swift and appropriate action in such matters. Therefore, the commission has taken cognizance of the matter,” the commission said in a statement.

Sharma wrote to Telangana DGP M. Mahendar Reddy, seeking his intervention in the cases.

In her communiqué, Rekha sought a comprehensive report on steps taken by the state to ensure the safety and security of girls and women to ensure that such incidents don’t recur. A copy of the letter was also sent to the police commissioner of Hyderabad.

Terrible fortnight

April 22: 16-year-old girl had gone to celebrate a birthday party raped by a friend in a car.

May 28: 17-year-old girl gangraped by five people, including minors from political families at Jubilee Hills.

May 30: 15-year-old girl gangraped by five persons, including two minors. The assault had been taking place since March.

May 31: 16-year-old girl raped when she was heading home.

May 31: 11-year-old girl raped by two men who offered her a ride home.