NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar on Wednesday raised serious concerns over the rising cases of crimes against women in Maharashtra, alleging that the state government has failed to take effective steps to control the situation.

Speaking to the media, Pawar described the situation as “deeply worrying” and pointed out that incidents like rape and acid attacks are being reported frequently across the state. He also highlighted that Maharashtra has one of the highest proportions of missing women in the country, questioning the lack of concrete action.

“Unfortunate incidents against women in Maharashtra are being heard continuously, whether acid attacks or rapes. The percentage of missing women in Maharashtra is also the highest in India, but the government does not seem to be doing anything about it. This is very concerning...” Pawar said.

Data from Mumbai Police for 2025 backs these concerns, showing a noticeable rise in crimes against women in the city. In the first seven months alone, cases increased by nearly 12%. A total of 353 rape cases were registered during this period, compared to 317 in the same months of 2024.

Kidnapping cases involving women also saw a sharp jump, rising to 822 from 697 last year, marking an 18% increase. Molestation cases surged to 515 from 384, raising fresh concerns about women’s safety, especially in public spaces.

Cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act remained significantly high, indicating continued risks to minors. At the same time, incidents related to abetment to suicide and marital cruelty stood at 271, slightly lower than the 289 cases recorded last year.

Non-physical abuse is also emerging as a serious issue, with 268 cases of mental harassment reported, pointing towards increasing psychological pressure faced by women.

Serious crimes like acid attacks and dowry deaths continue to persist, with five cases each reported during the period. Though the numbers remain unchanged, they underline the ongoing threat of extreme violence.

Overall, 3,920 cases of crimes against women were recorded till July 2025, compared to 3,500 during the same period in 2024. Authorities have completed investigations in nearly 94% of these cases, reflecting strong enforcement efforts.

However, the steady rise in numbers suggests deeper systemic challenges. Pawar’s sharp remarks have once again brought the issue of women’s safety in Maharashtra into focus, sparking debate over whether stronger policy measures and preventive action are urgently needed.