SheLit

Igniting Voices, Inspiring Change

Women’s Security in West Bengal

A 27-year-old woman tragically died in a car accident near panagarh, West Bengal, after allegedly being chased for 20 kilometers by miscreants. This incident has raised significant concerns about women’s safety in the region.

 

 

Crime Statistics:

High Incidence of Domestic Violence: In 2021, West Bengal reported 19,962 cases of cruelty by husbands or relatives, accounting for approximately 74.73% of all crimes against women in the state.

Overall Crime Rates: The state registered 35,884 cases of crimes against women in 2021, placing it among the top five states in India for such offenses.

Low Conviction Rates: The conviction rate for crimes against women in West Bengal stands at a mere 2.5%, the lowest among all Indian states.

Districts such as Murshidabad, North and South 24 Parganas, Bardhaman, Nadia, Howrah, Hooghly, and Kolkata have been identified as areas with the highest concentration of crimes against women.

These findings underscore the pressing need for enhanced protective measures, effective law enforcement, and community engagement to improve women’s safety in West Bengal