State-by-State Breakdown of Rape Cases in India; What does 2022 report states?

State-by-State Breakdown of Rape Cases in India:  A 31-year-old doctor at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata was viciously attacked and killed in a seminar room where she had gone to rest. Her body showed multiple injuries, and it was confirmed that she was sexually assaulted and murdered. Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer at the hospital, has been arrested in connection with the crime. This incident has sparked widespread public outrage and led to the Calcutta High Court ordering a long leave for the hospital’s former head, Dr. Sandip Ghosh. The case has brought attention to systemic failures in protecting women in professional settings in India.

Increasing Violence Against Women

This tragic event is part of a troubling trend in India. Reports of sexual violence have become alarmingly frequent. In 2022, there were an average of 86 reported rape cases daily. High-profile cases, such as the gang rape of a Spanish tourist in Jharkhand and the assault of a young girl in Uttar Pradesh, continue to highlight deep-rooted issues of safety and justice for women. Despite legal reforms after the 2012 Delhi gang rape, the problem persists, and cases have become increasingly brutal.

Rape Statistics

In 2020, India recorded an average of 77 rape cases per day. This number increased to 87 cases per day in 2021, and although it slightly dropped to 86 in 2022, the figures remain high. According to the National Crime Records Bureau, there were 31,516 rape cases in 2022. Rajasthan had the highest number of reported rapes with 5,399 cases, followed by Uttar Pradesh with 3,690, Madhya Pradesh with 3,029, and Maharashtra with 2,904. Delhi recorded 1,212 rape cases.

Regional Variations

The rate of rape per lakh population was highest in Uttarakhand at 15, followed by Rajasthan and Chandigarh at 14 each, Haryana at 13, and Delhi and Lakshadweep at 12 each. The national average was five. States like Tamil Nadu, Nagaland, and Puducherry reported much lower rates of one victim per lakh, while Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, and Karnataka each had a rate of two per lakh.

Unreported Cases and Legal Reforms

These statistics may not fully capture the extent of the issue, as many crimes go unreported due to fear of retaliation, societal stigma, and distrust in the police. The 2012 Delhi gang rape, which led to nationwide protests, resulted in stricter laws, including the death penalty for rape. Despite these legal changes, sexual violence remains a severe issue, becoming more aggressive and brutal over time.

Also read: Kolkata Rape Case: Doctors have called for an indefinite strike in Support to Victim