During his address at the Karnataka Legislative Council, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara disclosed statistics regarding crimes against women in Bengaluru, shedding light on the escalating numbers over the span of three years. The revelation, made in response to an inquiry raised by Congress MLC Nagaraj Yadav, indicated a concerning trend. Specifically, Parameshwara highlighted a surge in reported rape cases from 2021 to 2023, with figures steadily climbing each year. For instance, the data revealed 116 cases under IPC Section 376 (Punishment for rape) in 2021, which escalated to 152 cases in 2022 and further spiked to 176 in 2023.
Moreover, the minister elaborated on the prevalence of molestation cases, which exhibited an even higher frequency, totaling 2,439 incidents over the course of the three-year period. Notably, instances falling under IPC 354 (assault or criminal force on woman to outrage her modesty) demonstrated a consistent yearly increase, with 573 cases reported in 2021, followed by 731 in 2022, and culminating in 1,135 cases in 2023. Additional offenses, such as those categorized under IPC Sections 294 (Obscene acts and songs) and 509 (insult to woman's modesty), numbered 108 over the three years.
Furthermore, the data unveiled concerning figures related to dowry deaths, dowry harassment, domestic violence, and illegal trafficking, reflecting an alarming state of affairs. In response to these distressing statistics, Parameshwara assured that the state government is proactively implementing precautionary measures to address the issue. Among these measures is the establishment of a helpline number, 112, to facilitate rapid police response, with a target arrival time of seven to eight minutes, inspired by the efficiency observed in the London Metro Police during a visit arranged by the minister.
Parameshwara also highlighted the allocation of Rs 665 crore from the Nirbhaya Fund towards bolstering security infrastructure, including the installation of surveillance cameras. Bengaluru alone boasts 4,500 to 5,000 cameras, contributing to a statewide network of 7,500 cameras, enabling comprehensive monitoring from centralized control rooms. Thus, beyond the stark statistics of reported crimes against women, the government's concerted efforts underscore a commitment to ensuring the safety and security of women in Bengaluru and across Karnataka.
