Goa Pradesh Congress Committee leader Amarnath Panjikar on Thursday criticised the BJP-led state government after the latest National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data showed Goa recording the highest rape crime rate in the country.
In an official statement, Panjikar described the NCRB findings as a “shameful report card” for the state government and alleged that the administration had failed to provide a safe environment for women.
According to the NCRB data cited by Panjikar, Goa recorded 105 rape cases and 19 stalking FIRs in 2024, placing the state at the top nationally in terms of rape crime rate.
The data further stated that 106 survivors were involved in the 105 rape cases reported during the year. Of these, 65 survivors, nearly 61 per cent, were below the age of 18, while 41 were adults.
Goa reportedly recorded 13.3 rape cases per lakh population in 2024, more than three times the national average of 4.3. The state also recorded the country’s highest rape rate involving minors at 8.1 per lakh population.
Panjikar said the figures reflected a growing sense of insecurity in the state.
“The BJP government repeatedly speaks about ‘women empowerment’, ‘Nari Shakti Vandan’ and ‘good governance,’ but the ground reality in Goa tells a completely different story. The government appears more focused on public relations exercises, event management, and political propaganda instead of creating a safe environment for women,” alleged Panjikar.
The NCRB data also showed that Goa’s conviction rate in crimes against women stood at 9.4 per cent, while pendency was recorded at 91.2 per cent.
According to the figures, 1,682 cases from previous years remained pending trial, while 237 fresh cases were sent for trial during 2024.
The GPCC has demanded immediate corrective measures, stronger policing, fast-track mechanisms for crimes against women, and greater accountability from authorities responsible for maintaining law and order in the state.
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