Pune Sees Spike in Crimes Against Women, Police Focus on Victim Support
Pune, 24th January 2025: Crimes against women in Pune have seen a concerning rise, with increases in reported cases of rape, molestation, and offences under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, according to Pune City Commissioner of Police Amitesh Kumar. The police are prioritizing swift case registration and ensuring justice and support for victims.
During the annual crime review meeting on Thursday, Kumar highlighted a notable uptick in serious crimes against women in the city. He emphasized that all police station heads have been instructed to promptly register such cases and provide continuous support to victims. “In cases involving crimes against women, it is crucial that victims feel supported and heard. We are working to ensure a victim-centric approach in all such cases,” Kumar stated.
Pune Police Annual Crime Report 2024 https://t.co/xU1eo24NqT
— पुणे शहर पोलीस (@PuneCityPolice) January 23, 2025
Police have actively engaged with approximately 1,200 women complainants in assault cases, offering them support and ensuring they are not subjected to intimidation or harassment by the accused. Investigating officers have been directed to prioritize victim concerns during the course of their investigations.
While the city recorded a decline in murders—down from 101 in 2023 to 93 in 2024—other crimes showed a sharp increase:
Rape cases: Increased from 410 in 2023 to 505 in 2024.
Molestation cases: Rose from 775 to 864.
Grievous hurt cases: Increased from 1,390 to 1,535. Kumar attributed this rise to stricter action against habitual offenders.
Fraud cases: Jumped significantly, with 2,021 cases registered in 2024 compared to 1,108 in 2023, largely due to more rigorous registration of cybercrime and fraud incidents.
Vehicle thefts: Slightly decreased from 1,989 to 1,982.
House break-ins: Reduced from 604 to 527.
In response to rising incidents of chain snatching, Kumar announced that offenders will now face charges under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), 1999. “This measure is expected to act as a strong deterrent and curb chain snatching incidents,” he said.
Pune Police are also conducting awareness programs in schools to educate children about safe and unsafe touch, aiming to increase awareness and encourage reporting of child abuse cases.
