Culprits in over 84% rape cases in 2018 acquainted to victims

New Delhi: When compared to the scenario in 2016 and 2017, nothing much has changed so far this year in terms of rape cases in the Capital, as rape survivors continue to face trauma from the hands of persons known to them.

According to Delhi Police data, more than 1,400 rape cases have been reported this year till August.

In 84.81 per cent of these cases, it was found that the accused persons were acquainted to the victim in some way, claims the data.

The police data, accessed by Millennium Post, claimed that till August 2018, over 1,400 rape cases were reported and further analysis revealed that in 12.47 per cent of these cases, relatives of the victim were involved.

Police officials also claimed that the involvement of strangers in cases of rape has declined. In 2.72 per cent of the rape cases recorded this year, the culprit was a stranger.

The data further claimed that more than 500 persons were arrested on rape charges, over 700 were nabbed under charges of molestation, and more than 120 persons were arrested for eve-teasing.

Meanwhile, the entire year's data for 2017 shows that more than 2,000 rape cases were reported. Investigation revealed that in 38.99 per cent of these cases, the accused were friends or family friends.

Neighbours were involved in 19.08 per cent of rape cases, while the involvement of relatives was found to be 14.20 percent.

Meanwhile, in 2016, strangers were found to be involved in only 3.57 per cent of rape cases reported throughout the year.

In 96.43 per cent of the cases, the accused were known to the victim.

Another issue that haunts the Capital's roads and streets is poor or no lighting, as recent data by Delhi Police claimed that as many as 142 stretches in Dwarka district are still poorly illuminated.

After discovering these spots, police wrote to the concerned agencies and asked them to light up streets to ensure the safety of residents. Data accessed by Millennium Post shows that of the 142 areas, 12 dark stretches are located in Dwarka's Sector-23, including areas near Metro stations.

Criminals often exploit poorly-lit areas to commit crimes, as no one can identify them and they can easily flee with minimal risk of getting caught.

Sources in Delhi Police claimed that as soon as their personnel discover such stretches, they regularly write to the concerned agencies, asking them to make necessary arrangements to illuminate the dark spots or to repair the improperly functioning streetlights.