40 pc increase in crime against girls during lockdown: Activists

Chennai

“Compared to same period in last year, from April to July, sexual violence cases against girls had increased in the state by 40 per cent. Government should take stern measures to prevent such heinous crimes,” said VMS Mustafa, founding president, Tamil Nadu Muslim League.

Mustafa claimed that during the lockdown girls had suffered the most not from outsiders, but from their own family members. “In Vazhapadi, Salem district, a girl was molested by her father and uncle and in Karipatti uncle of a minor girl molested her. Such incidents show that girl children are molested more by family members and known people,” said Mustafa.

Social activists claim that courts should fast track cases against girls. “In the Nirbhaya case, Supreme Court had issued guidelines to complete the cases within a year, but in most cases the proceedings extend for years. Most of the cases get weak and the accused get more chances for acquittal,” said M Kalaichelvi, founding president, Tamil Nadu Swadheshi Women Protection Association.

She also said that not more than 30 per cent of the cases against girls are reported and in such cases the acquittal rate is less than 10 per cent. “In most cases, the criminal incidents are suppressed. Government should enact a stringent Act to prevent such interferences to protect girl children,” added Kalaichelvi.