Rape remains a significant and deeply concerning issue in India, with official statistics providing a grim insight into the prevalence of this crime. While data indicates a high number of reported cases, it is widely acknowledged that a substantial number of incidents go unreported due to social stigma and fear. The latest available data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) and other sources paint a detailed picture of the situation across the country, including alarmingly low conviction rates.
In 2021, India registered 31,677 reported rape cases, which averages out to 86 cases every day. This marked an increase from the 28,046 cases reported in 2020, while 2019 saw 32,033 registered cases.
Minors as Victims and POCSO Cases
A significant and particularly distressing aspect of rape in India is the high number of child victims. In 2021, 10% of all rape victims were minors.
The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act is the primary legal framework for dealing with child sexual abuse. However, the judiciary is grappling with a massive backlog of cases. As of January 2023, over 243,000 POCSO cases were pending in Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs).Despite the establishment of these specialized courts, which have disposed of a significant number of cases, the pendency remains a major challenge.
Geographic Distribution: Hotspots of Violence
Certain states and cities consistently report a higher incidence of rape cases.
States with Higher Rape Cases:
Based on 2021 data, Rajasthan reported the highest number of rape cases with 6,337 incidents. It was followed by Madhya Pradesh with 2,947 cases and Uttar Pradesh with 2,845 cases. An analysis of data from 2014-2022 also places Rajasthan at the top, accounting for nearly 14% of all reported rape cases in the country, followed by Madhya Pradesh.
Cities with the Most Cases:
Among metropolitan cities, Delhi has consistently been ranked as one of the most unsafe for women. In 2021, the national capital recorded 1,226 rape cases, the highest among 19 metropolitan cities. Jaipur has been noted for having the highest rape rate per 100,000 population.
Profile of Victims and Perpetrators
Most Likely Victim:
Statistical data indicates that women in the age group of 18-30 are the most vulnerable to rape.
Who are the Perpetrators?
Overwhelmingly, the perpetrators of rape are known to the victims. In nearly 89% of the 31,677 rape cases in 2021, the accused was known to the victim. This disturbing trend has been consistent over the years, with 2018 data showing that in almost 94% of cases, the offenders were known to the victims, including family members, friends, and employers. According to Delhi Police data from 2019-2020, 44% of rape victims identified the accused as a relative or family member.
The Challenge of Securing Convictions
A major hurdle in delivering justice to survivors is the extremely low conviction rate for rape cases in India.
National Conviction Rate:
The conviction rate for rape cases has been persistently low. According to National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data, the conviction rate for rape trials in 2022 was a mere 2.6%, with only 5,067 convictions resulting from 198,285 trials. Other reports indicate the conviction rate for rape has hovered between 27% and 28% from 2018 to 2022.In 2021, the conviction rate for all crimes against women stood at 26.5%. This low rate means that a vast majority of offenders escape punishment.
POCSO Case Convictions:
The conviction rate in cases under the POCSO Act is also dismally low. In 2022, only 3% of POCSO cases resulted in a conviction. This is despite the existence of Fast Track Special Courts designed to expedite these cases.
State-Level Disparities:
Conviction rates vary significantly between states. For instance, in Karnataka, the conviction rate for rape cases dropped from 11.7% in 2021 to just 3.6% in 2023.[10] The state’s conviction rate in POCSO cases was a shockingly low 1.75% between January 2022 and November 2024.In contrast, Uttar Pradesh reported a conviction rate of 70.8% for crimes against women in 2022.
Factors contributing to the low conviction rates include poor police investigation, witnesses turning hostile often due to external pressure, and out-of-court settlements between the accused and the survivor’s family.
Government’s Arsenal Against Rape
The Indian government has implemented a multi-pronged strategy to combat rape and enhance the safety of women and children. Key initiatives include:
- Legal Reforms: The Criminal Law (Amendment) Act of 2013 introduced stricter punishments for sexual offenses. This was further strengthened by the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act of 2018, which includes the provision of the death penalty for the rape of a girl below the age of 12.
- Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs): To ensure speedy justice, the government has been setting up FTSCs, including exclusive POCSO courts.
- Emergency Response Systems: A pan-India single emergency number, 112, has been established for immediate assistance.
- One-Stop Centres (OSCs): These centers provide integrated services to women affected by violence, including medical aid, police assistance, legal counseling, and temporary shelter.
- National Database on Sexual Offenders (NDSO): This database helps law enforcement agencies track and investigate sexual offenders.
- Safe City Projects: Implemented in eight major cities, these projects aim to create a safer environment for women in public spaces through technology and smart policing.
