GUWAHATI: The rate of increase in crimes against women can be measured by the fact that at least one woman was molested every four hours in Assam last year, according to statistics.
In 2013, some 2,409 cases of harassment were registered by women and girls in Assam. In each case, offenders tried to outrage the modesty of the woman.
"The situation has truly become grim for women. In the last couple of years, matters have become much worse. While 700 such cases were reported in 2004, the number has gone up to 2,409 in 2013. On an average, at least six or seven cases are recorded every day. This means that a woman was molested every four hours in the state. It's shocking. Travelling in crowded buses, taxis has become very difficult for women," said a senior police officer.
The official figures for 2014 do not inspire any hope or relief either. Till March this year, nearly 625 similar cases have been registered in the state. In 2012, at least 1,804 women faced similar situations and some 1,446 were molested in the previous year.
"Eve-teasing is a major problem, too. We get a huge number of complaints where women are abused orally," the officer added.
Keeping in mind the safety of women on the streets, in pubs and while travelling via public transport, two specialized women police wings - Cobra and Veerangana - were introduced in the city last year. Separate city buses for women were also introduced last week.
Meanwhile, city police have filed the chargesheet in a case in which former principal of the prestigious Assam Jatiya Bidyalay, Rajib Sarma, was accused of molesting a minor student last week. He was sacked by the school after the allegations surfaced.
"City police have registered a case against Sarma under the Prevention of Children from Sexual Offence (POCSO) Act. The chargesheet was filed on Monday after investigation found that the victim's statement matched the chain of events," said city senior superintendent of police A P Tiwari.