Crime against women drops in Nagpur, focus shifts to conviction rate

Nagpur: The city has recorded a sharp 35% decline in crimes against women over the past few years, according to data from the Nagpur Police Commissionerate.The annual average of cases dropped from around 2,400 between 2020 and 2022 to around 1,530 per year during 2023–2025. In 2025, the city reported its lowest tally at 1,434 cases. Rape cases fell to 197 from 297 the previous year, molestation to 482 from 499, kidnapping to 529 from 535, and Section 498(A) IPC cases to 226 from 294.
Police Commissioner Ravinder Singal attributed the sustained decline to aggressive policing and targeted preventive measures.During 2024–2025, police identified 330 vulnerable locations and coordinated with civic agencies to improve street lighting and install CCTV cameras. QR codes were installed at 1,823 locations to ensure regular Beat Marshal visits. Frequent combing operations and special drives were conducted to prevent offender gatherings. A list of repeat offenders in rape and molestation cases was prepared, followed by strict preventive action and counselling.The all-women "Damini Pathak" patrolling unit was strengthened with six four-wheelers and 24 police personnel to ensure round-the-clock presence. Under ‘Operation Shakti' and related directives, police maintained zero tolerance towards crimes against women and minors, with complaints monitored at multiple levels—from police stations to the Joint Commissioner and Commissioner.Investigations have also become significantly faster. In several molestation cases, chargesheets were filed within four hours, and many others within 10–12 hours. "Our focus has now shifted decisively towards securing convictions," said CP Singal.However, despite improved reporting and swift investigations, conviction rates have dropped sharply. In 2025, the conviction rate in rape cases stood at just 9%—11 convictions out of 117 cases—down from 24% in 2022 and 2024. In molestation cases, the rate was 15% (14 convictions out of 96 cases). Overall, convictions in both categories were 12% in 2025, with 188 acquittals in 213 decided cases.A senior police official said a key factor behind the low conviction rates is the growing tendency of complainants and witnesses to turn hostile after out-of-court settlements with the accused, weakening prosecution cases and resulting in acquittals.To address this, each Zonal DCP has been directed to personally "adopt" 10 rape and molestation cases for intensive court monitoring and follow-up. Fast-track courts, expedited investigations, and continuous supervision are being prioritised to improve conviction rates, with an aim to achieve near-100% success in cases under direct supervision, sources said.While the significant drop in crime, rapid chargesheet filing, and proactive safety measures reflect stronger enforcement on the ground, the steep fall in convictions—particularly the 9% rate in rape cases—underscores the urgent need to bridge the gap between prevention and punishment. Police leadership says it is committed to closing this gap and ensuring lasting justice for victims.