Despite the growing number of love marriages cases of dowry harassment, which is the most frequently reported crime against women, has shot up in the city in the last eight months. According to City Crime Records Bureau (CCRB), 708 dowry harassment cases have been reported. Of this 678 cases were reported from Hyderabad since January 2012. Dowry harassment tops the list of crimes against women with 678 cases reported followed by molestation with 82 cases and rape with 43 cases from last January.
CCRB stats also shows that most of the harassment cases are reported from the central zone, (350 cases out of 678) spreading across Red Hills, Mehdipatnam, Asif Nagar, Mallepally, Lunger House and so on, followed by south zone (209), old city and surrounding areas. The police attributes this to ego problems between families, substance abuse and anti social-activities. Inspector P. Janakamma of central zone women’s police station, said, “On an average five to six harassment cases are reported every day. Most of the cases registered are from middle class families with women aged around 18-30 years, and the main reason is ego problems and financial issues. Very often, victims approach us with bruises and burns on their body. Apart from registered cases, 350 harassment petitions have been filed since January.”
Meanwhile, when crimes against women turn serious the petitioners approach courts. Senior HC advocate S. Vani says, “It is sad to see couples from good families separate due to dowry harassment and other reasons. Mental torture is also a frequent problem.”