Imphal, January 31, 2007: Despite stringent legis-lation, crime against women has been escalating over the past seven years in Manipur. According to reports obtained from the State Home Department, 12 cases of rape were reported in 2000, 16 cases in 2001, 13 cases in 2002, 15 cases in 2003, 30 cases in 2004, 25 cases in 2005 and 40 cases in 2006.
Molestation cases reported are 29 in 2000, 36 in 2001, 37 in 2002, 20 in 2003, 11 in 2004, 24 in 2005 and 33 in 2006. Incident of kidnapping and abduction of women was 40 in 2000, 69 in 2001, 61 in 2002, 51 in 2003, 69 in 2004, 70 in 2005 and 49 in 2006. The report of the Home Department, however, does not have information on cases of dowry deaths and custodial rape.
Source: The Sangai Express