Unsafe Gujarat: women aged 18–30 most affected by assault cases, says NCRB report

As many as, 634 rape cases were registered in Gujarat , with the majority of victims being women aged between 18 and 30, revealed the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report 2023. 

In 2021, there were 7,378 cases of murders, assaults, rapes, harassment, domestic violence, acid attacks, and gang rapes involving women. This number increased to 7,805 cases in 2023. Women appear to feel increasingly unsafe in the state, as reflected in the rise of heinous crimes—14 cases of gang rape and 2 cases of acid attacks were recorded in the last couple of years.

The highest number of cases (2,179) involved husbands and in-laws physically assaulting women. The report also mentions that 234 women were raped more than once. 

On average, 50 rape cases are reported every month in Gujarat. Among these, the majority of victims fall in the 18–30 age group. Apart from this, 188 victims were aged 30–45.

Findings from the report:

In 357 cases, the perpetrators were the victims’ own friends or partners.

In 235 cases, the accused were neighbors or colleagues.

In 38 cases, family members themselves were involved.

Cybercrime against women has also increased—9 cases of blackmailing and 96 cases of harassment through obscene content were reported. Police also registered 180 cases where women were coerced into prostitution in public places.

In short, atrocities against women are rising, presenting a serious challenge to law enforcement in Gujarat.

Age-wise breakdown of rape victims:

18–30 years: 434 cases

30–45 years: 188 cases

45–60 years: 10 cases

Above 60 years: 3 cases

Main accused in rape cases:

38 cases: Family members/relatives

357 cases: Friends/partners

235 cases: Neighbors/colleagues

4 cases: Strangers