Minors Are Majority Victims Of Rapes In Past Year

27 Aug, 2020

Kathmandu, Aug. 27: The data of Nepal Police show that the incidents of rape have been increasing over the years with the previous fiscal year 2019/20 recording 2,144 cases of rape and 687 cases of rape attempt where most victims were minor girls.

Compared to the former fiscal year 2018/19, the cases were less in 2019/20; however, the incidents of rape have soared in the past two years compared to earlier years.

While 2,230 incidents of rape and 786 rape attempts were recorded in the fiscal year 2018/19, the data of Nepal Police show that 1,480 cases of rape and 727 rape attempts were reported in 2017/18.

According to the Nepal Police officers, the cases of rape have been increasing every year since more victims have begun to report the incidents. With more incidents reported, officers also said that the department has been conducting investigations over the cases effectively and arresting the perpetrators.

“All the departments begin the investigation and search of criminals as soon as they are informed. While some cases take time due to lack of concrete evidences, offenders are arrested at the earliest in most of the cases,” said Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kuber Kadayat, central police spokesperson.

The record of Nepal Police shows that 100 per cent of rape cases were solved in 2015/16, 85.31 per cent of cases in 2016/17 and 99.59 per cent of cases in 2017/18.

With nearly 6,000 cases of rape and attempt to rape, several incidents where criminals meted out other crimes to the victims alongside rape have also been recorded in the past two fiscal years.

In 2019/20, 34 cases of abduction and rape, two cases of rape and murder and two cases of rape and attempt to murder were recorded while 15 cases of human trafficking and rape, 47 cases of abduction and rape, 11 cases of rape and murder and three cases of child marriage and rape were reported in 2018/19.

As the cases of rape have been increasing every year, women rights activists argue that there are still various limitations in the steps taken by concerned authorities in minimising the incidents.

“Perpetrators in most of the cases are arrested but they face less punishment compared to the crime they committed. On the other hand, the victims suffer throughout the life. Authorities are still unable to ensure quality investigation, arrest and harsh punishment in rape incidents,” said Meera Dhungana, president at Forum for Women, Law and Development, an organisation working in the field of women rights.

Along with authorities, activists argue that family members and close individuals should support the victims in filing complaint and fighting against the culprit.

“Many children below 16 years are raped by someone close such as a family member or a relative but the victim hardly receives support from other members. Every rape incident

should be reported because perpetrators deserve punishment and the victims deserve justice,” said Dhungana.

Activists and police personnel shared a common view that the incidents of rape and attempt to rape from someone close to the victim had increased during the lockdown period.

“In some cases our organisation comes across police neglecting the case and sometimes even denying registering a complaint. Victims would fear reaching out police and registering a complaint if they are not ensured of justice,” said Dhungana, who is also an advocate.

Meanwhile, senior police officers say that the Nepal Police headquarters have directed all the personnel to respond, report and investigate crimes against women and children effectively and by keeping them in priority.

“Investigation of crimes against women and children needs to be conducted cautiously and efficiently and the police departments have been directed for the same. If any police personnel or office show negligence over such crimes, public can lodge their complaints at the headquarters. Headquarters will take necessary action right away,” said Kadayat.

Nepal Police has also been generating awareness in the community and schools under its Community-Police Partnership Campaign regarding crime against women and children.

“Through the awareness campaign, we request participants to report any criminal incident against them and to inform others to do the same. We ensure participants that the victim will be guaranteed justice, security and confidentiality,” added Kadayat.