57% rise in rape cases filed in Mumbai in 2012

In an indication that more people are speaking up about crimes against women, the number of rape and molestation cases registered in Mumbai nearly doubled last year, a report by a city not-for-profit has stated.

In an indication that more people are speaking up about crimes against women, the number of rape and molestation cases registered in Mumbai nearly doubled last year, a report by a city not-for-profit has stated.

While 294 rape cases were filed in 2012-13 as against 187 in 2011-12 (an increase of 57%), the number of molestation cases rose by 43% to 793 from the previous year’s 554, according to data collated by the Praja Foundation.

The NGO released its annual report on the state of policing and law and order on Thursday.

The figures not only confirmed the stark reality of the rise in crimes against women, but also suggested that more cases are being reported, which is a step in the right direction, the report said.

The report pointed out a sharp 25% increase in rape cases and 59% rise in molestation cases registered between January and March this year.

This was the period directly following the December 16 gang rape in Delhi, which spurred massive protests and a nationwide debate on the state of women’s safety.