Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Jun 20: Popularly known as the IT capital of India, Bengaluru has emerged as the leading metropolitan city in the country for dowry harassment cases. According to the National Crime Records Bureau's (NCRB) Crime in India 2024 report, 878 cases were registered under the Dowry Prohibition Act in Bengaluru, raising concerns over the persistence of the social evil despite legal safeguards.
The 878 cases registered in Bengaluru account for nearly 87 per cent of all dowry-related cases recorded across the country's 19 metropolitan cities. The figures have sparked concern and are being viewed as a blot on the state's reputation.
The data indicates that an increasing number of women in Bengaluru are approaching police stations with complaints of harassment by husbands and in-laws. As many as 878 cases have been registered against husbands and their family members. The statistics clearly show that dowry harassment continues to remain a serious problem despite laws that make both giving and accepting dowry a punishable offence.
According to the NCRB report, a total of 8,40,905 criminal cases were registered across 19 metropolitan cities in the country. Of these, 50,584 cases (28.4 per cent) were related to cruelty by husbands. Crimes against children accounted for 24,377 cases (56 per cent).
The report further stated that a total of 6,237 cases related to dowry harassment and sexual harassment have seen an increase. While the problem of dowry harassment is growing in other metropolitan cities as well, Bengaluru tops the list. The figures reflect the deep-rooted nature of the social evil that continues to persist in society.
The report also highlighted a significant rise in cybercrime. A total of 34,958 cybercrime cases were registered in a single year, marking a 3 per cent increase. Computer-related offences accounted for 56.6 per cent of these cases.
Economic offences stood at 42,747 cases (90.4 per cent), while property-related offences accounted for 2,80,867 cases (87.9 per cent). Crimes against senior citizens totalled 4,107 cases (6.9 per cent).
According to the report, overall crime cases increased by nearly 10 per cent compared to the previous year. The rise in social crimes such as dowry harassment, along with cybercrime, is creating new challenges for modern society.
Experts attribute the rise in such cases to urbanisation, changing lifestyles, economic pressures and the decline of social values. They stress that eliminating the practice of dowry will require strict enforcement of laws, awareness programmes and cooperation from all sections of society.
The statistics serve as a warning that despite being the country's largest IT hub, Bengaluru continues to face challenges in ensuring women's safety and equality. The report underscores the need for the government, police department and social organisations to treat the issue seriously and take swift corrective measures.
The findings present a major challenge for society as a whole. Experts warn that unless the menace of dowry is effectively curbed, both the city's development and the safety of women could be called into question.