‘Perverted mindset primary cause of molestation’

‘Perverted mindset primary cause of molestation’

PUNE: Maximum cases of molestation against minors take place due to the perverted mindset of people. 

Majority of times, the violators were acquaintances of victims, especially in cases of molestation against the adults, revealed a survey conducted by SNDT Arts and Commerce College for Women. 

The findings were based on the reports submitted by Pune police on molestation cases reported between January and November 2018. 

Around 457 molestation cases were filed across 30 police stations in the city. Out of these, 358 molestation cases were of adults, while 99 were of the minors.

Another major observation of this survey reveals that most of the molestation cases take place in public places.

A group of four teachers including Vice Principal Madhavi Kulkarni, Head of the Economics Department Madhura Joshi, Head of the Psychology Department Manasee Rajhans and Head of the Commerce Department Vasanti Joshi conducted the survey.

KNOWN VIOLATORS AND PUBLIC PLACE RISK
It has been found that in maximum cases, the accused is acquainted with the victim. 

There were about 286 cases wherein, a known violator or old conflict/dispute was involved in molestation. 

Whereas, 230 cases were linked with pervert intentions. 

As many as 345 cases were registered under section 354 of Indian Penal Code (IPC)-molestation or outraging the modesty of a woman and other sections, while 112 cases were purely registered under IPC section 354.

The findings further reveal that about 48 cases were identified as cases of molestation against women only. Out of these, 41 were adult and 7 were from minor category. 

The surveyors highlight that most of the crime cases took place in public areas especially at public toilets.

“Among 48 cases, 26 cases took place at public places, 13 cases occurred in private places and nine cases took place at the workplace. Out of these, only 36 cases have been filed in the court,” said Madhura.

The group had conducted a focus group discussion with women police officers from police stations across the city in which five or more than five molestation cases were filled. 

“Molestation of women takes place more in slum areas and near educational institutions. The increased number of cases of women’s molestation is not directly related to ‘MeToo’ movement, in fact, the most affected strata of society are unaware about this campaign,” said the teachers.

“It has been observed that most of the crimes either take place in public areas or the areas near higher educational institutes. We have highlighted these places as hotspots to the police. It also recommended that more security measures are required in these areas,” said Kulkarni.

RECOMMENDATIONS
“There is a need for spreading awareness about Section 354 among the women from all strata of society. The implementation of Section 354 should be strengthened by speedy enforcement without unnecessary delays. Cases need to be Fastrack for timely justice,” said Vasanti.

The surveyors also recommended that the security and safety of women at public places should be given priority. The students should be educated on the interpersonal relationship at the higher secondary school level. 

HIGHLIGHTS OF SNDT COLLEGE SURVEY
The major reasons behind the increased number of cases of molestation against women in the age group between 12-25 years old are previous relationships, one-sided love and infatuation.

The rising number of cases of victims below the age of 12 is alarming.

A few cases of misuse of Section 354 do take place which has serious consequences.

“Based on the analysis of the cases, we have identified some hotspots and place-specific preventive measures have been planned. We have also communicated with the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) for certain work to be done on some of the spots. The study will help us in improving policing when it comes to crime against women and children.”
—Ashok Morale, Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime)

“Pune police want to benefit from the expertise of more than 250 eminent educational institutions that exist in Pune, either through COPS Excellence or Center for Police Research (CPR) in Pune. We welcome any suggestions from Punekars including educational institutions for this endeavour of academic engagement.”
—K Venkatesham, Commissioner of Police

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