Rape cases up in Karnali Province

By Rajani Yogi,Surkhet, Dec. 18: Rape cases in Karnali Province are, of late, on the rise. Data from the Provincial Police Office in Surkhet confirms that the incidents of rape have been increasing every year.

Over the three fiscal years from 2021/22 to 2023/24, 564 cases of rape and 124 cases of attempted rape have been registered. The police classify attempted rape complaints under the category of "rape attempt."

Likewise, in the fiscal year 2021/22, 150 rape cases and 45 attempted rape cases were registered, the data shows. 

Similarly, in 2022/23, the figures rose to 206 rape cases and 45 attempted rape cases, while in 2023/24, 208 rape cases and 34 attempted rape cases were registered. The statistics show a consistent rise in rape cases each year. Data reveals that incidents of rape are increasing daily. 

Likewise, according to the data revealed by the Provincial Police Office, in the current fiscal year, 60 rape cases and 18 attempted rape cases have been registered. Narayan Dangi, spokesperson for the Provincial Police Office in Surkhet, informed that as population and urbanisation increase, such incidents also rise proportionally. 

On the other hand, the number of women raising their voices against injustice and pursuing legal battles has also increased, he said. 

Dangi further added that with the increasing use of social media, such incidents can no longer remain hidden for long. 

However, the misuse of social media has also contributed to the rise in such cases, he said, adding that local governments, social workers, and community members must play a role in minimising such incidents.

The police have been conducting awareness programmes from district offices, local units and police posts. 

Dangi shared that through the Community-Police Partnership Programme at the local level, efforts were being made to generate public awareness about such incidents. 

He urged the public to report suspicious individuals to the police, stating that everyone must fulfil their responsibilities to prevent such incidents.

Pabitra Shahi, a rights activist, noted that alongside the rise in rape cases, the number of complaints had also increased. 

She added that both the media and police have started showing more concern regarding cases of rape and sexual harassment. “The root cause of such incidents is our patriarchal mindset and societal structure that does not hesitate to inflict violence upon women,” said Shahi.  She further pointed out that statistics show young girls are most vulnerable to rape.