State 3rd for crime against women

Kolkata, Jul 30: The National Crime Records Bureau has rated West Bengal highest on the list of states recording cases of crime against women. Other states that are second to West Bengal are New Delhi, Maharashtra, and Karnataka

A recently released report (2004-05) by the Bureau, most number of rape cases were recorded in the state after Madhya Pradesh. The number of rape cases in the state increased from 1,475 in 2004 to 1,673 in 2005.

The report also says West Bengal ranks third in case of torture on women, after Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan. In this segment, the total number has increased from 6,334 in 2004 to 6,700 in 2005.

West Bengal stands fifth out of the total of 28 states in terms of dowry deaths. The number of dowry deaths rose from 396 in 2004 to 440 in 2005.

Rape, dowry deaths, sexual harassment and abduction together, the state stands second to Uttar Pradesh, leaving even states like Bihar behind.

To curb violence on women, Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee had recently ordered a comprehensive survey, by three universities like Calcutta, Burdwan and North Bengal University, on violence against women. But this report has been inordinately delayed.

However, the report is yet to see the light of day.

Principal secretary of the Social Welfare Department S N Haque said, '' The report will be submitted in a month's time. Then, we would go through it properly. '' National Commission for Women chairperson Malini Bhattacharya has recently said, '' Women in the state are protesting for their rights.

They are more aware of the legal support meted out to women who have been tortured. ''