Child rape cases: Andhra Pradesh ranks second in India

Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh has earned a dubious distinction of being the second state with the highest number of child rape cases. The latest NCRB crime in India-2021 revealed that as many as 3,038 children (below 18 years) were raped in the country in 2021.

Andhra Pradesh stands in second place in all categories of age below 18 years listed by the NCRB. Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan account for 67 percent of rape of children below the age of six years.

In Andhra Pradesh, minor rape victims outnumbered the adults

As many as 1,188 incidents of rape were reported in AP in 2021. The number of victims stood at 1,204. Among the total number of victims, girls below the age of 18 years are 614. Women above the age of 18 are 590. Rajasthan is the only state which has a higher number of cases than AP. As many as 1,453 girls were raped in Rajasthan.

NCRB data revealed that child rape cases have been increasing in the state. Among the 52 cases of children below the age of six subjected to rape across the country, 17 are from AP, and 18 are from Rajasthan. Even in the age groups of six and below 12 years, 50 cases were reported in AP and 64 cases were reported in Rajasthan.

Police said breach of trust and awareness among the people were the reasons for the reporting of a greater number of rape cases on minor girls.

Leaders and activists of women's organizations alleged that despite various laws, crime against children has been increasing in the state. In some cases, the accused were relatives of the victims, they added.