200 cases of molestation in Gurugram registered in 2017, more women lodge complaints

Gurugram: The incident of a woman professional being pursued by a group of men late Sunday night have drawn much attention due to its resemblance with the Chandigarh stalking case. However, in the city that is witnessing huge increase in the number of molestation cases, it is just one more addition to the 200 cases of this crime being registered in 2017 already.

According to a police official, molestation of women comes second in the list of crimes against women in the district after domestic violence.

In 2014 and 2015, there were 124 and 178 cases of molestation but in 2016 there was a whopping increase with over 320 cases of molestation being registered.

Even though it is a major law and order challenge, most of the women who are victims of this crime feel hesitant and apprehensive in filing their complaints.

Senior police officials highlight that lack of proper evidences, fear of a long legal process and family honour are some of the key issues that prevents such cases to have its logical end.

Another difficulty as stated by law enforcement officials is most of the men who are involved in such form of criminal acts are able to get away easily as it is a non-bailable offence.

To overcome these problems, the District police heave set up a counselling centres at the women police station that encourages women and their family to be persistent in such cases.

"One of the reasons why there is an increase in number of molestation cases is because the women empowered to come ahead, file the complaint and see to it that the justice is delivered.

"The courage and determination of the women citizens enable the police also to take strict action against the offenders," said a senior police official from Gurugram Police.