Jaipur, Oct. 10 -- Rajasthan recorded a decline in rape, sexual harassment and POCSO cases in the first nine months of 2026, while offences registered under narcotics, illegal arms and excise laws increased, according to state police data. Cases registered under the Indian Penal Code and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita fell by 1,753, from 1,47,534 in January-September 2025 to 1,45,781 in the corresponding period this year. Murder cases declined by 23 and attempted murder cases by 174. POCSO cases fell by 478 (19.20%), rape cases by 356 (7.96%) and molestation cases by 603 (7.38%). Cases under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act declined by 954 (15.47%). Dacoity, robbery and burglary cases also decreased by 19.67%, 16.40% and 4.63%, respectively. In contrast, cases under local and special laws rose by 4,282, from 65,753 to 70,035. NDPS Act cases increased by 1,815 (35.13%), Arms Act cases by 538 (10.17%) and Excise Act cases by 908 (4.92%). Police attributed the rise to intensified enforcement. Cases involving domestic abuse, dowry demands and other family disputes concerning women increased from 9,979 to 10,562. Police attributed the rise to greater awareness and women's willingness to report offences. The department said women's safety remained a priority, citing initiatives such as Kalika units, anti-Romeo squads and police station-level women's safety and counselling centres to assist women facing domestic violence and family disputes....