More accused of rape acquitted than convicted
27 Dec, 2012The reply to an application filed under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 by social activist Mallika Sarabhai has shown that during the past 9 years, just 15% of the rape cases in Ahmedabad ended in conviction while 17% ended in the acquittal of the accused. The figures show that out of the total number of rape cases registered in all police stations in Gujarat and their status (for the period from January 1, 2001 to June 19, 2009) show that nearly 67% of the cases are pending.
The information provided in response to the RTI application has shown that between January 1, 2001 and June 19, 2009, a total of 312 rape cases were registered in the Ahmedabad. Out of these, conviction resulted in 46 cases while acquittal was done in 54 cases. The result of the, 212 cases continue to be pending. The important points in rape cases are as under:-
- Rape victims do not show the willingness to fight for justice.
- The long pendency of such cases also affects the morale of the victims.
- There is an urgent need to set up fast-track courts for rape cases.
- There is a need to sensitise the police force as it is mostly a male dominated force who tend to sympathise with the perpetuators of the crime.
- The character assassination of the victim by the investigators / advocates is dissuades the victims.
- Ignorance of law amongst the victims is common.
- Lack of training among the policemen leads to improper investigation and loss of vital evidence.