The 2022 data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) highlights the concerning situation in Kochi regarding crimes against women. With a crime rate of 70.1% (per one lakh population) and a chargesheet rate of 90.9%, the city is dealing with a staggering 95% pendency rate in cases. Even more troubling is the dismal conviction rate of only 13.5%. This report comes amid heightened concerns about women’s safety, especially following several high-profile incidents such as the rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata and growing cases of sexual assault nationwide.
Additionally, the release of the Hema Committee report on the Malayalam film industry has triggered a surge in FIRs related to crimes against women. Despite an increase in case registrations, many of these cases are languishing in the courts, with slow-moving trials contributing to the backlog. Kochi recorded 754 cases in 2022, including 327 assaults on women, 97 rapes, and 153 cases of cruelty by husbands or relatives.
Legal experts like TB Mini have emphasized the need for faster trials and specialized courts to handle these cases more efficiently. Criminologist Ajithkumar Varma suggested that an efficient system that delivers timely justice is crucial in curbing such crimes. He also called for empowering women’s cells and appointing experts to women’s commissions to improve conviction rates and ensure justice for the victims.
