Delhi Police Commissioner BS Bassi on Monday said the sudden surge in FIRs signifies the confidence of women in reporting crimes than it was two years ago. Bassi was responding to questions on the anniversary of the December 16 gangrape stating he would be satisfied only when there is zero crime against women in the national Capital.
There has been a spurt in crimes against women in the national Capital since 2012. The number of FIRs registered for rape rose from 680 in 2012 to 1,559 cases in 2013 and 1,925 cases till November this year. The number of molestation cases has also gone up from 615 in 2012 to 3,347 last year and 3,932 cases (till November).
“At the outset, particularly after December 16, Delhi Police has taken a number of steps to ensure that the victims of crime against women feel confident of reporting any harassment that they face, to police. Several changes in law have been made to prevent crime against women, but society also needs to change for it to be effectively implemented,” Bassi said, adding, “We want to bring down the number of crimes against women to zero in Delhi.”
“The number proves that the victims are now coming out openly to complain. In the last one year, we have imparted self-defence training to 14,000 women,” he added. He also said they would be distributing pepper sprays to 1,000 women.
Delhi Police is taking all steps to ensure that crimes against women are not suppressed, Bassi said, adding a number of steps have been taken by the force to ensure that women who come to thanas with their grievances are heard effectively, investigation is carried out speedily and culprits are brought to book.
“The 100 distress helpline, which used to have 60 lines has been increased to 100. The women’s helpline 1091, which used to have four lines has been increased to 10,” he said. Bassi further said that women helpdesks have been set up with women investigating officers in all the police stations. “Chargesheet will be filed in 20 days,” he said.
The top cop also said that the Government has decided to increase the number of women personnel in Delhi Police. A total of 1,250 women constables have been hired and will be on the streets of the national Capital in eight months.