Alarming statistics reveal a significant rise in crimes against women in Madhya Pradesh, with government data indicating an increase in rape cases, particularly in tribal regions. In 2024, an average of 20 rape incidents were reported daily, a troubling trend highlighted by the state government’s figures presented in the assembly.
Rape cases surged from 6,134 in 2020 to 7,294 in 2024, marking a 19% increase, as per data from the state Home Department. The annual report for 2023 recorded 5,374 cases, yet by the end of that year, the total reached 7,202.
The data shows that among the reported cases, 1,769 women belonged to Scheduled Castes, 2,062 from Scheduled Tribes, 2,502 from Other Backward Classes, and 869 from the General category. Notably, rape incidents in tribal areas represented a growing concern, with a 10% rise for Scheduled Castes, 26% for Scheduled Tribes, 20% for Other Backward Classes, and 24% for the General category over the past five years.
A notable discrepancy was discovered between police headquarters data and the annual report. The police recorded 3,831 cases involving Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe women, while the annual report indicated only 883 cases.
This data was unveiled following a query from Congress representatives, who alleged that the government had inflated figures in the annual report. Claims were made that the actual number of rape cases was 40% higher, with accusations concerning a 340% overstatement for cases involving Scheduled Tribes.
The report also revealed concerning conviction rates, where only 23% of the 2,739 cases involving Scheduled Castes resulted in convictions, leading to 77% of the accused being acquitted. In cases involving Scheduled Tribes, the conviction rate was at 22%, while 78% were acquitted. For Other Backward Classes, the rate was 21%, and for the General category, it stood at 18%.
Among districts, Dhar recorded the highest number of rape cases involving tribal women, with Jhabua (102 cases), Khargone (117), Alirajpur (110), and Ratlam (143) following. Both Indore and Bhopal witnessed significant upticks, with rape incidents surging by 103% in Indore city and 59% in Bhopal city. Ratlam saw a 46% increase, whereas Balaghat reported a 33% decline in registered cases.
BJP representatives defended the government’s handling of the situation, asserting that the increase in reported crimes indicates improved efforts to ensure cases are filed. They affirmed the administration’s commitment to women’s safety and stressed that legal actions are being pursued vigorously, with stricter judicial sentences being enforced.
