Even during the nationwide lockdown imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of crimes against women in Maharashtra did not decrease. According to data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), during the tenure of the Maha Vikas Aghadi government led by Uddhav Thackeray, an average of 109 women became victims of atrocities every day in Maharashtra. Unfortunately, the situation remains unchanged even today.
Badlapur Case and Social Unrest:
The case of child sexual abuse at a school in Badlapur has sparked a wave of outrage in political and social circles. In the backdrop of this incident, the NCRB data has exposed the grim reality of the ongoing atrocities against women in Maharashtra. In 2021 alone, despite the harsh conditions of the COVID-19 lockdown, an average of 109 women faced atrocities every day in the state. In the first half of 2022, this number rose to an average of 126 per day, a figure that has remained consistent in 2023.
Rise in Crimes Against Women During Lockdown:
The latest data from the NCRB reveals a disturbing trend. Instead of a decline, there was a noticeable increase in crimes against women during the lockdown period in Maharashtra. In 2020, during the lockdown, 31,701 crimes were recorded against women in the state, translating to an average of 88 women being victimized each day. This number increased to 39,266 in 2021, with 109 women falling prey to atrocities daily.
Situation During the Mahayuti Government:
From January to June 2022, during the Maha Vikas Aghadi government, an average of 126 women were victimized daily. Although this number slightly decreased to 116 from July to December 2022 under the Mahayuti government, the average once again rose to 126 in 2023, indicating that the issue of women's safety in the state remains as critical as ever.
Increase in Crimes Under the POCSO Act:
A significant rise has been observed in crimes against minor girls under the POCSO Act (Section 12). Since 2021, these cases have surged to 249, increasing further to 332 in 2022.
Situation in Mumbai:
In Mumbai, there has been a slight decrease in rape cases under the POCSO Act in 2023. In 2020, 445 rape cases were reported, which rose to 524 in 2021. However, in 2023, this number saw a slight decrease to 590.
Urgent Need for Concrete Measures for Women's Safety:
These statistics clearly indicate that there has been no significant reduction in crimes against women during the lockdown. While some incidents have increased and others have decreased, the overall situation remains concerning. There is an urgent need for concrete and effective measures to ensure the safety of women in the state.
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