Mumbai has witnessed a 130% surge in registered rape cases, rising from 391 in 2013 to 901 in 2022, according to a report by the Praja Foundation. Molestation cases also escalated by 105%, increasing from 1,137 to 2,329 during the same period. The report highlights that 63% of rape victims in 2022 were minors, leading to registrations under the POCSO Act. As of 2022, 73% of POCSO cases had pending investigations, while a 22% shortage of investigating officers was reported in July 2023.
Furthermore, the foundation noted a 243% increase in cyber crimes from 2018 to 2022, with cases surging from 1,375 to 4,723. Credit card fraud and cheating cases soared by 657% (461 to 3,490) during this period. The report underscores a mere 8% detection rate in registered cyber crime cases in 2022. Praja Foundation’s Yogesh Mishra emphasized the global rise in cyber crimes, calling for enhanced technical skills among police officials for speedy investigations.
Milind Mhaske, CEO of Praja Foundation, emphasized the importance of maintaining law and order in Mumbai, particularly as the city strives for world-class amenities. He referred to the Supreme Court’s directives in the 2006 ‘Prakash Singh vs Union of India Case,’ emphasizing the need for efficient crime registration, timely investigations, and justice administration.
