BELOGIVAVI: The incident of rape of minors and children’s marriage has surged exponentially from 2018 to 2021 in the state, setting alarm bells ringing about children’s safety.
Rape against women has also risen.
According to data filed in the legislative council during question and answer hours, cases of rape of children have increased from 1,410 to 1,761 (25%) from 2018 to this year.
Activists said the real numbers were more because many cases were not reported in rural areas.
Child marriage cases have jumped 200% (from 74 to 223) in the state in the appropriate period, raising questions about the function of the Child Protection Unit in the Regency and the Department of Women and Child Welfare.
Activists say children become more vulnerable during pandemic due to attacks (in addition to rape) of children increasing by 8%.
Rape against women see a 4% increase, up from 486 in 2018 to 507 in 2021.
Children’s wedding incidents have increased since 2018 with 74 registered cases of the year, 108 in 2019, 180 in 2021.
The increase during the pandemic has not been handled.
Data also shows that cases under teen justice laws increased from 50 in 2018 to 67 in 2021.
Syed Hafizullah, an educational activist who worked for the welfare of children, said children were vulnerable to sexual attacks and Children’s marriage follows the closure of the school.
Almost 18 months because Covid.
“It is unfortunate that the government has not taken special steps to protect children, especially in rural areas,” he added.
Abhay, an activist of the rights of children from North Karnataka who led the campaign to ban liquor in the state, said Karnataka was the first country to open a liquor store during a pandemic, and it was the main reason for an increase in a sharp rape case.
“Children are limited to houses even after the school closure.
Liquor just blinds the senses, resulting in rape and other incidents.
Most cases of rape, including the Nirdraya case in Delhi, have an angle of liquor,” he added.