Mumbai, December 06: If you thought that women and children are safe in Mumbai, then think again. An RTI query has revealed that there is a steep rise in kidnapping of minors between 2008 and 2010.
While 176 cases of kidnapping were registered in 2008, there were 149 cases in 2009. About 194 cases of kidnapping were registered in 2010.
Activist Chetan Kothari had filed an RTI plea seeking details from the police department in November.
While nine cases of kidnapping in the age group of 01-10 years were registered in 2008, the cases registered in 2010 were 20. In the age group of 15-18 years, 45 cases of kidnapping were registered in 2008, the cases rose up to 71 in 2010. Cases of kidnapping in the age group of 18-30 years and 30-50 years have come down marginally, the statistics given by the police department revealed.
Similarly, rape cases registered in the city between 2008 and 2010 show a disturbing trend. As per the police statistics, 196 cases of rape were registered in 2008. The cases came down to 182 in 2009, while 194 cases were registered in 2010. While 26 rape cases were registered in the city between the age group of 15-18 years, the number of cases registered in 2009 was 50. The number went up to 113 in 2010.
“We have a dedicated helpline for women, children and senior citizens. If they raise any concern, immediate help is sent to them on real-time basis. In cases where they are involved as victims, beat marshal and wireless mobile are dispatched immediately to the spot,” said Mumbai Police spokesperson Nisar Tamboli.
He added that the police are also in touch with the TISS in whose coordination the police will look after women and children and consult them for counselling.
——Agencies