In 99.3% rape cases, accused known to survivor: NCRB

In Maharashtra, the total rape cases registered stood at 4,144 cases. Under this, the number of cases in which the offenders were known to the rape survivors was 4,115.

Out of every 100 cases of rape registered in Maharashtra, the accused is known to the survivor in 99.3 of them, the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) statistics revealed. In mere 29 cases out of the total 4,144 rape cases registered in state, the survivors did not identify the offenders. The analysis of rape cases in Maharashtra in 2015 has revealed that in 99.3 per cent cases, the accused was someone the survivor already knew.

Maharashtra stands second in the number of rape cases in the country after Madhya Pradesh. (HT Photo)

NCRB data has thrown light on the “offender’s relation and proximity to rape survivors” under Indian Penal Code (IPC) Section 376 (rape) during 2015. In Maharashtra, the total rape cases registered stood at 4,144 cases. Under this, the number of cases in which the offenders were known to the rape survivors was 4,115.

The offenders ranged from grandfathers/fathers/brothers/sons (69 cases), close family members (70), relatives (262), neighbours (729), employer/co-workers(91), live-in partner/husband/separated ex (34), known persons on promise to marry (974), other known persons (1,786) and offenders not identified by victims (29).

Maharashtra stood second when it came to the rape cases as Madhya Pradesh reported the highest number of rape cases with 4,391 cases.

Flavia Agnes, noted gender rights lawyer and director of Majlis, a Mumbai-based organisation that provides legal initiatives for women, stated that statistics should make us change the way we look at rapes. “Most of the rapes are happening at home, either at survivors place or at the place of the accused. Most of these cases are not immediately reported as victims desist to speak or family also doesn’t like to speak up,” said Agnes. “After the Delhi gang rape case, there has been a lot of talk about street lighting, mobile apps, toilets and rapes while lurking in bad zones. However, girls and women are vulnerable at home, workplace and other places,” she added.

The statistics of rapes across the country showcase a similar pattern. Out of a total of 34,651 cases of rape registered in India in 2015, the accused was known to the survivor in 33,098 cases and in 488 of them, the accused was a father, a brother, a grandfather or a son.