Newz Desk, Durgapur: More than 43,000 rape cases involving girls below 18 years of age were registered across India in a single year, highlighting continuing concerns over crimes against children.
According to National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data, 43,675 cases of rape of minor girls were registered in 2024. The figure was 10,934 in 2015, indicating a nearly four-fold rise in registered cases over a decade. Between 2020 and 2024, more than 1.83 lakh minor girls were reported to have been victims of rape. Rape remained the largest category of sexual offences against children during the period.
The data also recorded 96,505 victims of sexual assault, while 12,807 children were victims of sexual harassment. In addition, 2,924 children were reportedly used in the production of sexually explicit material intended for adults. Age-wise, girls aged 16 to 18 years accounted for the largest share of rape victims between 2020 and 2024, with around 94,503 cases, followed by 70,442 cases involving girls aged 12 to 16 years.
The figures have also raised concerns over the pace of investigation and disposal of cases, with questions remaining over ensuring timely justice and stronger protection for children.
