Rape, dowry deaths, acid attacks: Crime against women rose in 2021 in Haryana

GURUGRAM: Several cases of crime against women reported in Haryana have risen in 2021 from the year before, including abductions, dowry deaths, acid attacks and rape, data by National Crime Records Bureau has shown.

According to the report, the number of acid attacks increased from one in 2020 to six in 2021. It was also higher than the four cases recorded in 2019. The cases abductions also increased to 2,958 last year - from 2,423 in 2020, and 2,803 in 2019. Experts said fewer cases were likely reported in 2020 due to pandemic disruptions.
Haryana also saw 275 cases of dowry deaths in 2021, as compared to 251 in 2020 and 248 in 2019. "We need to understand that dowry culture exists in India and as well as in the state of Haryana. To turn a blind eye and later express shock after seeing the data is not right. Dowry is the reality and it can be fought by creating awareness, including by helping women know their legal options. Most importantly, women's families too should know that dowry cannot be the basis of a marriage," said Kamarinder Kaur, a protection officer in Jhajjar and Rohtak districts.
Rape cases have also seen an increase in the state, with 1,716 reported in 2021, 1,373 in 2020, and 1,480 in 2019. Overall, there has been an increase in crimes against women, with 14,683 cases in 2019, 13,000 in 2020, and 16,658 in 2021.