The Praja Foundation published its report on November 25, 2021 on POSCO cases.
Key Findings of the report

• Report highlights that, despite a decrease in crimes against children, trial of 99 per cent of cases were still pending by December 2020, under the Protection of Children Against Sexual Offences (POCSO)
• 94 per cent of the total 1,197 cases in 2020, were girl victims. Out of these cases, 721 were rape cases while 376 were sexual assault cases.
• 42 per cent of the total rape cases were against children aged below 18 years in 2020 as against 47 per cent cases in 2018 and 45 per cent cases in 2019.
• Highest number of rape victims (620 out of 721 in 2020) were from age group of 12 to 18 years.
• In 95 per cent of the total rape cases, offenders were known to victims.
• Under the POCSO Act, out of the 67 cases against boys, 93 per cent were unnatural offences.
• Low proportion of reported male cases to total cases, reflects the stigma attached with the reporting of sexual crime against males.

IPC Cases

As per report, out of total IPC cases investigated in 2020, the charge sheet was filed only in 28 per cent cases. It finds that, investigation in 58 per cent cases of crime against women as well as 56 per cent of crimes against children were not complete. It further notes that, there was 20 per cent shortage of police sub-inspectors, which resulted into lesser investigations. As of December 2020, trial of 99 per cent of cases of crime against children was pending.

By: Brijesh Kumar