Andhra Pradeshrankssecondin India after Himachal Pradesh when it comes tosexual harassmentinstances at workplace, according to Crime in India 2020 report released by National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).
The Crime in India 2019 document had ranked Andhra Pradesh eighth in the country for workplace sexual harassment with 22 cases.
Overall, there has been a 13% increase in sexual harassment cases (section 354 of IPC) in 2020 compared to 2019.
According to cops, the increase inworkplace harassmentcases is in a way, a healthy sign for the state as it indicates more Women are coming forward in exposing their ordeals.
Not surprisingly, the major chunk (around 38%) of crimes against women include 498A of IPC (cruelty by husband or his relatives). Contrary to the popular belief that COVID-induced lockdown might have increased domestic violence,APsaw a 16% dip in 498A cases in 2020