1,704 rape cases reported in Maharashtra in 2012

The Maharashtra legislative assembly was on Monday informed that there were 1,704 incidents of rape in the state in the year 2012, out of which 924 victims were minor girls.

In a written reply to a question asked by Anil Kadam of the Shiv Sena, Home Minister R R Patil said 127 victims were girls below the age of 12, while 188 girls were aged between 10 and 14 years. Speaking about the pending cases in the court, the minister said there were 14,414 rape cases, 31,412 molestation and 9,480 cases of eve teasing.

In order to increase the conviction rate, the government has appointed legal officers in all the courts, who will act as coordinators between the complainants, witnesses and prosecution lawyers. He admitted that between 2005 and 2011, there had been 10,837 incidents of rape in the state.

Patil said for speedy trial of crime against women, 13 special courts have been set up. The government has also decided to start 100 fast track courts in the next five years. Cases pending for more than a year will be tried in such courts.

Out of the 100 fast track courts, the process of keeping 25 courts for trial of cases of crime against women is underway, he added.