Mumbai has seen a sharp increase in sexual assault incidents against women and minors, including rape, molestation, obscene acts, and kidnapping in the first half of 2025. This rise comes despite claims that the city is safe for women and girls.
Crime | 2024 | 2025 | % Increase |
Rape | 478 | 602 | 26% |
Rape (Minor) | 284 | 308 | 8.50% |
Outraging Women’s Modesty | 1,169 | 1,294 | 10.70% |
Intentional Insults to Women’ Modesty | 345 | 440 | 27.50% |
Molestation (minors) | 297 | 332 | 11.80% |
Eve-teasing (POCSO) | 12 | 21 | 75% |
Kidnapping | 594 | 720 | 21.20% |
Kidnapping (Juveniles) | 592 | 716 | 20.90% |
Of the 602 rape cases reported until June 2025, 308 involved minor girls, compared to 284 in 2024. Police resolved 96% of POCSO rape cases, but 13 offenders remain at large.
The increase in crimes against minors is particularly alarming. Young children are increasingly being sexually assaulted and exploited. Most kidnappings involve minors being coerced into marriage.
While 25–30% of criminals targeting women and children are strangers committing crimes in public or while travelling, over 70% are known to the victims, including family members, relatives, friends, neighbours, or acquaintances.
Safety measures include special mobile vans patrolling highways with female officers, supported by Women Charlie Beat Marshals and a dedicated helpline, 103. Every police station has women’s cells, counselling services for victims of violent crimes, anti-women abuse cells, and programmes like Police Didi to support women and children.
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