Congress Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar has criticized the Mahayuti government over the rising crimes against women in the state. Raising the issue in the assembly on Wednesday, he cited data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), which indicates a continuous increase in crimes against women.
According to the data, 126 crimes against women and 55 crimes against children are registered daily in Maharashtra. Shockingly, 64,000 women go missing from the state every year.
Wadettiwar questioned the government, asking, “Where are these missing women going? Finding them is crucial because this is a very serious issue.”
Lack of Budget Allocation for Women’s Safety
He further alleged that the Mahayuti government has not allocated sufficient funds for women’s safety in the state budget, calling it “extremely unfortunate.” Citing recent incidents, including a rape case at Pune’s Swargate Bus Depot and molestation of a Union Minister’s daughter, Wadettiwar questioned the government: “If women are unsafe in Maharashtra, where will they feel safe?”
Government Has Forgotten the Nirbhaya Fund
The Congress leader also criticized the government for neglecting the Nirbhaya Fund, which was set up for women’s safety initiatives. He pointed out that Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who once criticized the misuse of the fund when he was in the opposition, has now seemingly forgotten about it. Wadettiwar urged the government to take serious measures to ensure the safety and security of women in Maharashtra and to track the missing women effectively.
Assistant Sub-Inspector Rajesh Pandey, an expert in locating missing persons, emphasizes that the data received from missing persons bureaus is generally accurate. However, there are several reasons behind the disappearance of women and children. These include family disputes, educational or career-related issues, mental health concerns, abuse or domestic violence, love affairs, financial hardships, social or cultural pressures, and the search for identity or independence. However, the government and administration is taking significant steps to enhance women’s safety, ensuring better measures to address these concerns and prevent such incidents.
