There are multiple alarming trends in the just-released report of the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). An increase in the instances of crimes against women and children and a sharp rise in the number of suicides are among the ominous indicators of a society that is grappling with the toxic impact of patriarchal culture. The 70th annual report of the NCRB shows that cases of crimes against women have recorded an increase of 4 per cent compared with last year. Over 4.45 lakh cases of crimes against women were registered during 2022. What is more alarming is that the metro cities account for higher crime rates, despite claims by the governments that effective safety systems have been put in place.
The data for 2022 reveals an increase of 12.3 per cent in crimes against women in 19 metro cities — each having a population of above 2 million — compared with the previous year. With a 239 per cent increase, Jaipur recorded the highest rate, followed by Delhi, Indore and Lucknow. Chennai and Coimbatore — both in Tamil Nadu — had the lowest rate. A majority of the cases included cruelty by the husband or his relatives, kidnapping and abduction, assault on women with intent to outrage her modesty, and rape. In absolute numbers, Uttar Pradesh, with 65,743 cases, registered the highest number of FIRs in cases of crimes against women, followed by Maharashtra (45,331) and Rajasthan (45,058). Growing crimes against children raise serious concerns for their future wellbeing and safety as a staggering 64,469 victims were reported in 2022 under the POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act alone.