Past 5 years, Goa saw a rape or kidnap case every 2.5 days

PANAJI: Goa has reported one case of rape or kidnapping almost every third day over the past five years. Statistics reveal that from 2018 to 2022, the state saw 339 cases of rape, 356 cases of kidnapping, 166 murders, and 2,688 thefts.
Asked in the House what steps are being taken to ensure the safety of vulnerable sections of society, CM and home minister Pramod Sawant said that the women police station, right next to the police headquarters, functions so that women and children can approach it without hesitation for redressal of their grievances.
"Besides this, the anti human trafficking unit and the women and child protection unit function in the premises of the police headquarters, South, Margao, exclusively to deal with cases related to crimes against women and children," he said.

The CM also said that a women's help desk has been started at police stations exclusively to handle women's complaints.
"To ensure timely help and support, and the effective implementation of law for the protection and safety of women, a toll-free women's helpline (1091) and WhatsApp helpline (7875756177) are operational 24x7 at the police control room in collaboration with the women & child protection unit," Sawant said.
He also said that self-defence courses are conducted by Goa police in different schools and colleges to train girls to defend themselves. "Day and night police patrolling has been intensified through PCR vans, motorcycles, and foot patrolling," the chief minister said.
To address the increasing crime rates , Sawant said, "Whenever any cognisable complaint is received, the case is registered under the relevant provision of law. Chapter cases u/s 107 CrPC against bad character and anti-social elements are submitted before the SDM for keeping good behaviour and to deter them from committing cognisable offences."