Data shows that such cases have gradually declined over the last few years. (Representative)
New Delhi:
According to NCRB data, more than 270 cases of custodial rape were recorded from 2017 to 2022, with women’s rights activists blaming the lack of sensitivity and accountability within the law enforcement systems for such cases.
According to National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data, the criminals include policemen, public servants, members of the armed forces and staff of prisons, remand homes, places of detention and hospitals.
The data highlights that such cases have gradually declined over the years. 24 cases were reported in 2022, while 26 were reported in 2021, 29 in 2020, 47 in 2019, 60 in 2018 and 89 in 2017.
Custodial rape cases are registered under section 376 (2) of the Indian Penal Code. It deals with the crime of rape committed by a police officer, jailer, or any other person who has legal custody of a woman. This section specifically deals with cases where the offender takes advantage of his authority or custodial position to commit the offense of rape against a woman.
Of the 275 cases of custodial rape recorded since 2017, Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of 92 cases, followed by Madhya Pradesh with 43 cases.
“Custodial settings provide unique opportunities for abuse, with state agents often using their power to coerce or coerce sexual access,” said Poonam Muttreja, executive director of the Population Foundation of India.
She said, “There are instances where women have been detained for their safety or because of their vulnerable status, such as women who have been victims of trafficking or domestic violence and have been subjected to sexual violence, which is an exercise of power under the guise of state protection.” reflects abuse.”
Ms. Muttreja highlighted that there is a complex interplay of factors contributing to custodial rape, including patriarchal social norms, inadequate gender-sensitivity training for law enforcement, and stigma surrounding victims.
She stressed the urgent need for victim-centred approaches, strong legal frameworks and institutional reforms to effectively address the root causes and consequences of custodial rape. “Reported cases of custodial rape are often a manifestation of the power imbalance and lack of accountability within our law enforcement systems,” Ms Muttreja said.
She said such reasons for rape include patriarchal social norms, abuse of power by officials, lack of gender-sensitivity training for police and social stigma attached to victims.
“These elements contribute to an environment where such heinous crimes can occur and, in many cases, go unreported or ignored,” he said.
Ms Muttreja said the government should adopt a multi-pronged approach to effectively address the root causes and consequences of custodial rape.
“This should include legal reforms, better training for law enforcement, social and behavior change communication to change social norms, and stronger mechanisms for accountability. Additionally, foster partnerships with NGOs, civil society and community groups. “This can help create a more inclusive and informed response to this serious situation,” she said.
Reflecting on her experiences as the Nguvu Change Leader at the women-led organization Nguvu Collective Rescue Campaign, Pallabi Ghosh shared disturbing accounts of victims who accused police officers of rape.
Ms Ghosh highlighted that “a pervasive culture of impunity and victim blaming within law enforcement is preventing victims from seeking justice”.
“Custodial rape is a very common scenario in police stations. The way junior police officers, even women constables, talk to the victims shows that they have no sympathy for them,” she said. Not there.”
He stressed the critical need for sensitization and awareness among police personnel along with legal mechanisms to hold criminals accountable.
Ms. Ghosh expressed frustration at the difficulty in filing complaints for custodial violence unless survivors name perpetrators, highlighting a systemic barrier to justice. He said, “Only if you hold a police officer guilty of custodial rape, we can expect justice.”
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
