Free porn, illicit liquor behind rise in rapes: Delhi Police survey

By Karn Pratap Singh | Hindustan Times

India, May 21 -- Free availability of porn movies, on internet and otherwise, as well as sale of illicit liquor have contributed to the recent rise in sexual crimes against women, says a survey by Delhi police.

Rape victim

In the wake of the findings, instructions have been issued to all police stations in the city to put an immediate stop on the sale of porn movies and illicit liquor in their respective jurisdictions.

They have been asked to conduct awareness programmes in schools and colleges to educate teenagers about the new rape laws and have been directed to paste posters and pamphlets, mentioning the enactment of the new law, at "conspicuous places''.

"Delhi police has taken a good initiative in which they must educate youngsters about the new Protection of Children from sexual offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. They should tell the youth that even a normal act of sexual exploitation will come under the category of rape, attracting an equal stringent punishment," said Ashok Arora, a senior advocate.

The new orders were issued from the office of Special Commissioner (law & order) Deepak Mishra last week. The order, a copy of which is with HT, says that police personnel whose efforts will show results on the ground will be encouraged with handsome rewards.

"Strict departmental actions will be taken against SHOs for showing lackadaisical attitude in implementing the instructions," the order said.The survey was conducted after the recent horrific rapes and gang-rape reported from Gandhi Nagar, Badarpur, Sangam Vihar, and others in which the accused committed the crime either after consuming liquor or after watching porn. "Watching pornography incites and ruins the immature minds, who out of curiosity and to satisfy their urge tend to victimise women and children. Many sexual crimes are done under the influence of alcohol," said a senior police officer.

The findings of the survey, which was conducted at the police station level, were shocking and it revealed that in markets such as Nehru Place, Sarojini Nagar, Palika Bazar and Janpath, electronic gadgets, including Chinese phones are being widely used in distribution of pornography to teenagers. To increase sale of such cheap phones, shopkeepers insert memory cards loaded with porn clips, the officer said.

"All the police stations have been asked to form a team and conduct frequent raids in markets and shops to seize such material," the officer said.

Published by HT Syndication with permission from Hindustan Times.