Police Authorities Should Increase Conviction Rates and Investigate Causes Behind Crimes Against Women – Deputy Chairperson Dr. Neelam Gorhe

Kolhapur : To expedite the resolution of crimes against women, the accused should be swiftly apprehended and action taken against them. The chain of individuals deceiving women must be dismantled. Along with increasing conviction rates in cases of crimes against women, the police authorities should investigate the root causes behind such crimes, stated Legislative Council Deputy Chairperson Dr. Neelam Gorhe during her visit.

As part of her Kolhapur tour, Dr. Gorhe chaired a meeting today (Monday, January 6, 2025) to review the measures and actions taken to prevent crimes against women in the Kolhapur zone’s districts.

The meeting addressed various issues, including the progress made in resolving registered cases of crimes against women over the past year, measures taken against assaults on minor girls, initiatives to reduce such crimes, eradication of superstitions, caste panchayat issues, and senior citizen safety.

The meeting was attended in person by MLA Rajesh Kshirsagar, Special Inspector General of Police (Kolhapur Range) Dr. Shashikant Mahawarkar, Additional Superintendent of Police Jayshree Desai, and Shaumika Mahadik. Through video conferencing, the meeting was attended by Sangli SP Sandeep Ghughe, Satara SP Sameer Shaikh, Pune Rural Additional SP Ramesh Chopde, and Solapur Rural SP.

Dr. Gorhe directed authorities to identify crimes against women in Kolhapur, Sangli, Satara, Pune Rural, and Solapur Rural areas while also attempting to understand the root causes behind the incidents. She emphasized, “While investigating crimes under POCSO related to assaults on minor girls, ensure the victim’s identity remains confidential, and make sure that neither the victims nor their families face any harassment. Arrange guidance workshops in schools and colleges through ‘Bharosa Cells’ and implement online training sessions. Seminars should also be organized, and updated information on crimes should be displayed on notice boards at every police station.”

Dr. Gorhe further suggested conducting “Good Touch, Bad Touch” training in schools to prevent assaults on minor girls and forming trained groups of girls to spread awareness. She also instructed that “Medical examinations or treatments for assault victims should be conducted with utmost care. Separate dedicated rooms should be arranged for this purpose. Witness Protection Act guidelines must be strictly followed and implemented appropriately. Ensure victims are safeguarded while being escorted to court. Charge sheets should comply with legal requirements, and B summary reports should be re-examined as per the penal code,” she added.

During the meeting, Special IG Dr. Shashikant Mahawarkar ordered the investigative machinery to function more efficiently and instructed strict adherence to legal guidelines. He emphasized increasing CCTV installations in the Kolhapur zone and proposed establishing dedicated units for investigating crimes against women.

Deputy Chairperson Dr. Neelam Gorhe reviewed district-wise crime investigation and functioning within the region. The meeting was attended by officers working in women’s cells and representatives of social organizations.