Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala witnesses a significant rise in cases of sexual assault against children, as reported in the latest data. Last year alone, a staggering 4641 cases were registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, marking the highest figure in the past eight years. Compared to the previous year, where 4518 cases were reported, the escalation to 4641 underscores the gravity of the situation. 601 of these cases were reported in Thiruvananthapuram alone.
This surge is not isolated to any particular region, as police confirm an increase in POCSO cases being reported across all districts. However, it’s feared that many cases go unreported due to the survivor’s fear of disclosure. Criticism mounts over the low conviction rate in these cases, with some instances even being resolved through intervention by police officers. Additionally, the Railway Police registered 10 cases.
District-wise breakdown of POCSO cases registered last year:
Thiruvananthapuram: 601
Kollam: 375
Pathanamthitta: 177
Alappuzha: 257
Kottayam: 251
Idukki: 185
Ernakulam: 484
Thrissur: 369
Palakkad: 367
Malappuram: 507
Kozhikode: 421
Wayanad: 201
Kannur: 239
Kasaragod: 197
Comments