At least two women have been raped every day in Karnataka over the last three years. Besides these, there are at least 30 cases of attacks on women each day in the same period.
These appalling figures were tabled in a report by the Karnataka Legislature Committee on Women and Child Welfare in the Legislative Assembly on Friday. The report said Karnataka recorded 2,150 rape cases and 31,915 cases of atrocities against women between 2010-12.
The panel specifically looked into rape, cruelty, domestic violence, dowry harassment, child marriage and exhibition of obscene films. The panel suggested that rape cases should be tried under the tough Goonda Act, non-bailable warrants be issued against rape accused, and suggested that medical reports be considered as the main proof.
The committee, which was set up in the previous assembly and headed by former BJP MLA Seema Masuti, said victims should get immediate compensation and medical costs from the government. It also suggested ‘In camera proceedings’ for rape trials and felt the government should complain to the Press Council of India against news channels sensationalising and repeatedly telecasting such stories.
The committee felt: “Lack of coordination among police and prosecution departments, advocates and the court is the key reason for delay in disposing of cases against women. The government should come out with solutions urgently and implement them”.
The report also suggested that training should be given to police officials and personnel in dealing with atrocity cases. “A women crime investigation department should be started in police stations with teams comprising trained personnel”, the report added.