Bihar DGP: Gang-rape incidents rising; society growing tolerant, calls for stricter enforcement

Despite expansion of schemes and greater female representation, Kumar stated that desired results have not been achieved due to persistent social attitudes, emphasizing the need for a mindset change to curb gender-based crimes against women.

Kumar noted that women account for over 30 per cent of the Bihar Police workforce, with around 11,000 women constables undergoing training, and that specialised police units have been created to address women-related issues. He said progress remains hindered by persistent social attitudes, requiring a change in mindset.

Kumar advocated zero tolerance towards dowry practices within the police, saying personnel found engaging in dowry-related practices or remarrying despite having a legally wedded spouse should face social boycott and departmental suspension.

He referred to a recent Motihari allegation where a woman police personnel was accused of extorting money from a rape survivor for recording her court statement, describing such actions as revictimisation and stating that officers involved deserve no place in the force.

Kumar warned police personnel against insensitive behaviour towards the public, stating that officials who fail to treat people properly should tender resignation and sit at home.

The DGP stressed the need for stricter implementation of laws related to gender-based crimes, including acid attacks and domestic violence, and urged police, prosecutors and courts to act proactively to ensure timely justice for victims.

Kumar claimed that only around 2 per cent of cases related to sexual harassment and violence are reported in Bihar, attributing the low rate to police inaction and suppression of victims.

At a state-level workshop on gender-based violence at the police headquarters in Patna, Bihar DGP Vinay Kumar expressed concern over the increasing frequency of gang-rape incidents. He stated that such crimes were rare two decades ago and attracted public outrage, but are now occurring more frequently, leading to a growing tolerance in society. He called for stricter implementation of laws related to gender-based crimes and urged police, prosecutors, and courts to act proactively to ensure timely justice for victims. He also warned police personnel against insensitive behaviour and suggested that officials who fail to treat people properly should tender resignation and sit at home.