Crimes against women have shot up after 2013: Kiren Rijiju

Bhopal, Mar 25: Crimes against women have risen since 2013 but efforts are on to curb them, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju said here.

He felt that police should not take refuge in the argument that more crimes against women were being reported because a large number of cases were being registered in the country now unlike before. Rather, police should ensure that crime against women should not take place, he said.

"Crime against women is on the rise since 2013. Women's safety is on the top of government's agenda. Efforts are on to arrest crime against women," Rijiju said here yesterday during his address at the valedictory function of 23rd All India Forensic Science Congress.

He also laid the foundation stone of Central Forensic Science Laboratory on the occasion. The minister said it has been made compulsory for police to lodge the complaint of a woman.

Rijiju said police have many challenges ahead as the modus operandi of the crimes was changing. Indian police machinery is working with meagre facilities but the government is undertaking all efforts to modernise the police force, he said. He said that forensic expansion programme can address the issue of high level of pendency of cases and tackle crimes, especially against women in a time bound manner.

"Women should feel secure in the society. This should be the prime concern of the society," Rijiju said while speaking at the two-day conference themed 'Role of Forensic Science in countering crime against women' at the programme.

He also announced the institution of Union Home Minister's Award for Forensic Sciences on the occasion. The awards would include Life Time Achievement Award carrying cash prize of Rs 1 lakh with medal and citation, R&D Award (three awards for Rs 50,000 each) and Young Scientist Award with cash prize of Rs 10,000.

Around 300 forensic science experts participated in the conference organised by Directorate of Forensic Science Services (DFSS), Union Ministry of Home Affairs. Participants were sensitised on the need for victim- centric approach in handling sexual assault cases.

PTI