By Sagar
Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, Dec 20: The nation was outraged two years ago by the gangrape in New Delhi. The shamed nation made the existing laws more stringent, making even stalking and voyeurism punishable offences. Everyone hoped the new measures would deter crime against women. But it was not to be.
A close look at the present crime scenario in the state revealed disturbing facts that not only paint a grim picture but also question the manner in which most police officials see such cases. Some senior police personnel were apparently unaware of the existence of the Criminal Law (amendment) Act, 2013, also known as the Nirbhaya Act.
In 2014, a total of 57 rape cases, including five gang rapes, were reported in Bhubaneswar. That implied, on an average, every month, five rape victims approached the city police to lodge their complaints under section 376 (rape) of the IPC.
The city showed a decline in the number of cases related to insult to modesty of women (sec 509), which stood at two, and dowry death (sec 304B) that stood at five. However, cases booked under section 498(A) (cruelty by husband or his relatives) continue to be the highest reported offence in the city, totaling 200 this year.
Not a single case has so far been registered under the Nirbhaya Act in the city. Additional deputy commissioner of police, BN Dandapat, was clueless about the Nirbhaya Act! “What is it?” Dandapat wondered, when asked if the Act had been able to deter crime against women.
A police spokesperson even suggested that “false cases” registered by professional sex workers under Section 376 were raising the total number of rape cases in the state. “I would say there are around 1,000 prostitutes who lodge complaints under this section to claim compensation from the government.”
When asked why someone would invite public ignominy by acting as a victim of rape, he said, “There are lots of people who have little means to make a living. For such people, shame doesn’t matter. They will even lodge false cases.” He went on to suggest that such rape victims would often settle for an out-of-court arrangement.
Bijayinee Malla, inspector in-charge of the Women Police station, was evasive when asked about the status of women’s safety in the city. “I don’t have data with me now,” said Malla.
