SHILLONG, July 1: Although strong sentiments of a matrilineal society resonate from Meghalaya, the statistics available with the police reveal the grimmer side of the safety and security of women in the state.
According to police data for the year 2022, a total of 603 crimes against women were recorded, of which, Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act 2012 (POCSO) constituted the majority with 345 cases followed by rape (78 cases) and assault (63 cases) on women with intent to outrage her modesty.
According to the data, 24 cases of attempt to rape were registered, 26 of kidnapping and abduction, two of dowry deaths, 63 assault on women with intent to outrage her modesty, 23 insult to modesty of women, 29 cruelty by husband or relatives, three abetment to suicide of women, three Dowry Prohibition Act, five murder and two human trafficking cases.
Among the 345 POCSO cases, East Khasi Hills district figures on the top with 93 cases followed by 41 in West Khasi Hills, and 36 each in Ri-Bhoi and West Garo Hills.
Among the districts, 28% of the total crimes reported this year were reported from East Khasi Hills, 19% from West Garo Hills, 9% each from West Khasi Hills, South West Garo Hills and West Jaintia Hills, 8% from East Jaintia Hills, 5% from East Garo Hills, 3% each from North Garo Hills, South Garo Hills and South West Khasi Hills, and 2% each from Ri-Bhoi and Eastern West Khasi Hills.
