According to National Crime Record Bureau analysis crimes against women have been happening since ancient times, but there were few reported and what about those which remain unreported. But after 2008 the incidents of such crime against Women in Haryana came to light. Information reveals that during 2008 the number of dowry cases reported to police stations in Haryana state was 302 which increased to 1122 in 2011. Similarly, domestic violence cases against women reported 2435 in 2008 increased to 10471, rape cases increased from 454 in 2008 to 2506 in 2011, sexual harassment cases witnessed increase from 447 to 1632 in four years, molestation cases increased from 477 reported in 2008 to 1886 in 2011 and the total number crime against women reported in police stations in Haryana in year 2008 increased from 4115 to 17617 in the year 2011.
In the state of Haryana the crime rate among women witnessed much hike due to literacy and advancement among women in society and increase in crimes against women had to undergo tremendous forms of violence in various stages of their lives for instance rape, bride burning, domestic violence, harassment, violence due to demand for dowry, etc. with positive variation of 12.5% in the registration of domestic violence cases due to the orthodox and patriarchal mindset of people of Haryana. The economic dependence of the women on her family to fulfil their needs is also one of the main reasons behind such kinds of crimes. The social and economic status of women can be both a cause and consequence of violence against women causing a large number of dowry deaths as well as cruelty or harassment by husband or any relative of her husband’s family.
According to NCEB data, the rate of crime against women in the state of Haryana was higher than its neighbouring state Punjab and national average, and highest reported cases of sexual harassment were reported in the district of Faridabad and Rohtak, lowest reported cases were from district Mewat and second lowest from district Yamunanagar as per 2011 NCRB data. Faridabad being an industrial town and is also in close approximation to capital New Delhi, was one of the reasons for highest number of sexual harassment cases reported from this district. District Mewat has been dominated by Meo-muslims community, who value traditional and patriarchal frameworks. In the past women were generally perceived as inferior beings in comparison to men in almost every sphere of life, though the situation has gradually changed at present. The female literacy level was lowest in Haryana in the past as per census 2011 recorded as 35.1 percent which further had contributed to low status of women due to restrictions in women’s movements, mobility, their access to resources and services such as employment. Women were not allowed to go out for work as such contributed to low crime rate against women.
According to a recent meeitng, Shatrujit Kapoor DGP Haryana stated over 12 percent reduction in rape cases in Haryana in a year, claiming decline in crimes against women have yielded positive results due to police efforts, leading to a 12.64 percent reduction in rape cases in 2024 compared to 2023. Similarly, attempted rape cases decreased by 60.28% and molestation cases dropped by 27.21% as of June 30. Additionally, there was a 6.46% reduction in cases registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and a 25.23% decline in dowry deaths compared to the previous year, he added in a statement. DGP Kapoor said that several measures were taken to ensure women’s safety and security in the State. Prioritizing women’s safety, Kapoor said that the meetings with senior police officials led to the formulation of an action plan to ensure women feel safe. Police Commissioners and Superintendents were instructed to identify hotspots and hot routes in their jurisdictions. Police teams were deployed on these routes to take action against offenders and those with criminal tendencies. Officers were also given duty in plain clothes on these routes and near schools, colleges and other educational institutions to provide a safe environment for women. He said, a group of female officers in Gurugram has been trained to interact with girls and women in educational institutions to understand their issues closely.
DGP Kapoor said village guards and ward officials have been directed to identify and act against those who commit atrocities against women in their areas. Feedback was collected from victims after offenders were released from jail to ensure they were not being harassed again. Appropriate action was taken if such instances come to notice, he added. The DGP further said that Special Weapons And Tactics (SWAT) teams patrol different areas to ensure women’s safety, including through checkpoints. Autos, e-rickshaws, and cabs have unique number stickers that provide essential details like the driver’s name, photo, mobile number, and address. Travelling women can easily remember these numbers and share them with the police in case of an incident. DGP said, “Haryana records 14.62% crime reduction in 2024, significant decline in crime against women, as such rape cases are down by 19.24%, attempt to rape by 43.72%, eve-teasing by 36.83%, and dowry deaths by 14%. Talking about the women’s safety in Haryana State, DGP Kapur said, “Women’s safety is among our top priorities. To provide a safe environment for women, 1979 crowded hotspot areas and 443 sensitive locations have been identified across Haryana.”
A significant decline was witnessed in murder cases. In 2023, a total of 1,042
cases were registered, while in 2024, only 950 cases were registered on charges of murder. “This is the first time in 15 years that such a decline in murder cases has been observed in the Haryana state,” said Shatrujeet Kapur, Director General of Police.
