Ahmedabad, Surat register over 400 cases of sexual assault in six months

In just six months, 429 rape cases and 200 molestation cases have been registered across Ahmedabad and Surat, with the latter reporting the highest number of rape cases.

Gujarat’s Ministry of Home Affairs, in a statement presented in the assembly, admitted that along with sexual crimes, cases of theft, robbery, and fraud have also risen in both districts.

In the last six months alone, Ahmedabad city and district reported 208 rape cases and 108 molestation cases. Surat city and district recorded 221 rape cases and 92 molestation cases. 

Even though police claim no criminal will be spared, 40 accused in rape and molestation cases are still absconding. Crime rates are higher in Ahmedabad city compared to Ahmedabad district. In the past six months, Ahmedabad city alone recorded 700 gambling cases, 1,803 thefts, 42 robberies, and 276 fraud cases.

Similarly, Surat city registered higher numbers compared to Surat district, with 418 gambling cases, 740 thefts, and 27 robberies. 

At the same time, youth are falling prey to narcotic substances, and drugs are being sold freely in metro cities. According to the Home Department report, Ahmedabad city and district registered 59 drug-trafficking cases, while Surat reported as many as 94.

The growing number of such cases confirms that a wide network of drug peddlers is operating in Gujarat’s major cities. The Home Department report raises serious questions about women’s safety in the state and reflects how badly law and order have deteriorated.