Though Home Minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan has claimed that the crime rate in the state has come down within a couple of years, the figures show that Kerala is not yet a completely safe place for women.
According to the statistics released by the minister, there has been around 38 per cent increase in the number of rape cases registered in the year 2012, comparing those in 2010.
While a total of 597 rape cases were reported in 2010, it has skyrocketed to 825 cases in 2012.
He was speaking to reporters here on the basis of the statistics of the state Intelligence Department.
Also, the rape attempts on minor girls have increased from 183 in 2010 to 296 in 2012.
This was based on the statistics from January to October 2012, and there would be a significant increase in the rates if the cases registered in November and December are also considered.
He said that strict action would be taken against the culprits. At the same time, awareness programmes would also be initiated as many crimes against women are being reported within their houses.
“The government has already decided to constitute an investigation team of women to investigate and monitor incidents of rape, sexual assault, immoral trafficking and other atrocities against women. The team will be led by IG B Sandhya. The team will also include four other women IPS officers,” he said. “The district police departments would also help them in the investigation.
The SIT will take over cases referred by the government and and State police chief,” he said.
The minister added that the decision on constituting a fast track court for the speedy trial of rape cases would be taken in accordance with the directives of the High Court and after consultations and discussions within the Cabinet. “The suggestion to appoint a woman as the fast track judge will also be considered. However, the decision will be taken only after detailed discussions,” he said.