Despite stricter laws after December 16 gang rape case, Mumbai saw 714 rapes in 2016

Many rape cases go unreported, say Mumbai police officials

The city registered 714 rape cases in 2016, the highest since 2002, according to data obtained under right to information (RTI) Act.Mumbai recorded 192 rapes in 2010, 219 in 2011, 231 in 2012, 294 in 2013, 436 in 2014 and 605 in 2015.

The city saw 11,369 missing person’s complaints in 2016, compared to 10,313 in 2015. (HT File Photo)

“Cases of rape are on the rise in the city. A lot of cases go unreported. The police should take steps to bring down the number,” said Chetan Kothari, RTI activist who obtained the data for the past 15 years.

Cases of kidnapping, too, are on the rise, statistics show. The city recorded 1,976 kidnappings in 2016, compared to 542 in 2015.

There was also a rise in missing person’s complaints. The city saw 11,369 such complaints in 2016, compared to 10,313 in 2015. Of the 11,369 people, 7,585 were found, 38 were found dead while 3,784 are still missing. Of the 10,313 people who went missing, 9,375 were found, 45 were found dead while 938 persons are still missing.

IPS officer-turned-lawyer YP Singh said, “Rape cases are classified as serious, gang rape and violent. There has not been increase in violent cases. Earlier, an allegation against a live-in partner was not considered rape, but now it is classified as rape. Also, there is increasing awareness about crimes against women.”

“When it comes to missing cases, earlier the cases were registered only after verification, but now all cases get registered. That is why the numbers may have risen,” added Singh.