'Rape' is major national problem for Indians: Pew Research survey

New Delhi, April 25:

- one of the most heinous

against

, has emerged as a major national problem for

, a

has revealed.

According to the survey conducted between December 7, 2013, and January 12, 2014 shows that nine-in-ten Indians agree that the rape is a "very big problem" in the country.

For 91% men and 89% women, rape is a very big issue.

82 per cent Indians thinks that the rape cases are growing. 74% say that the laws in the country are too lax when it comes to punishing cases of rape. 78% says fault the country's police for not being strict enough in investigating such cases.

1 in 10 Indians rate the current laws as "about right" in dealing with cases of rape (7%) and only 6% of the public says that the police investigate these cases adequately.

Meanwhile, 18% think that laws on rape are too tough, while 15% hold this view about law enforcement.

The grave concern is that many politicians also make irresponsible and controversial remarks about a sensitive issue like rape.

Recently, the Samajwadi Party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav made a controversial statement saying, "It is wrong to give death sentence for rape. Boys make mistakes. If we come to power, we will change the law."

The next day, a senior SP minister Abu Azmi landed in a soup when he said, "any woman if, whether married or unmarried, goes along with a man, with or without her consent, should be hanged. Both should be hanged. It shouldn't be allowed even if a woman goes by consent."

Uttar Pradesh has seen a spurt in crimes against minors and women in the last two years.

OneIndia News