A first: Delhi Police to create database to keep track of sexual offenders

In a first, the Delhi Police have started maintaining a register of sexual offenders. Police stations have been asked to write details people accused of rape, molestation, stalking and even harassment and keep a track of them.

In a first, the Delhi Police have started maintaining a register of sexual offenders. Police stations have been asked to write details people accused of rape, molestation, stalking and even harassment and keep a track of them.

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Till now, only data of criminals involved in heinous crimes such as robbery, murder and dacoity was maintained. In 2012, out of over 700 rape cases, the accused in eight were repeat offenders. Delhi Police officials said they had no mechanism to keep a track of repeat sexual offenders and after the December 16 gang rape, a decision was taken to keep a record of such accused.

“We have started to maintain police station-wise details of accused involved in rape, sodomy, molestation or eve teasing. This helps in investigation whenever a case is reported. This will also deter the public from such crimes,” said Ajay Chaudhry, additional CP (southeast). In southeast Delhi, a database of nearly 300 sexual offenders had been prepared.“We have asked police stations to create a database of cases from 2010. It is a lengthy process but will act as a deterrent,” Chaudhry said.

“Once the database is prepared, we can link it with other districts and if the accused is a repeat offender, he can be tracked easily. We have a tendency to keep a record of criminals involved in heinious crimes, but crime against women is also a serious offence and we are glad that the district police are taking this initiative,” a senior police officer said.