Jaipur, Oct. 1 -- As per the National Crime Records Bureau data for 2023, Rajasthan has recorded the highest number of rape cases in the country. However, the figure- a total of 5,078, which also represents the lowest number of cases recorded in the state in every report since the COVID-19 Pandemic. As per the report, the figures display a decline of 10.4% from 2019, when the state recorded 5,997 cases, and a decline of nearly 20% from 2021, with 6,337 reported cases (the highest figure between 2019-2023). The 2023 data also revealed that 97.6% of reported cases were lodged against people known to the victims- of which 362 were family members and 294 were employers, teachers or others in positions of authority and trust. There were 867 gang-rapes recorded, 507 cases of repeated rape over a period of time and 20 rape-murders. It also displayed 1,866 reported cases lodged under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act. Moreover, 139 recorded cases were allegedly committed by minors, as per the 2023 data. According to the 2023 report, Rajasthan was followed by Uttar Pradesh with 3,516 cases and Madhya Pradesh with 2,979 cases. As far as overall crimes against women was concerned, Rajasthan recorded the second-highest number of cases in the country in the country, with a total of 40,378, shows the 2023 report, with 428 dowry deaths, 9,456 cases of attempts to outrage modesty, 7,552 abductions, 10 cases of procuration of minors, 20 human trafficking cases, 212 cases of circulation of obscene material sans consent and 4 acid attacks. The data also shows that charge sheets were registered in only 53.6% of cases recorded in the state in 2023, which represents a continual drop- with corresponding figures being 54% in 2022, 55.4% in 2021, and 55% in 2020. Commenting on the development, a senior police officer from the civil rights department said, "Rajasthan police and administration are completely dedicated to ensure a safe space for the women in the state. We have launched a special Kalika Patrolling team with women personnel to address the crimes against women while the common women are also being made aware about their surroundings and given self-defence training. We are hopeful that Rajasthan will soon achieve a significant decline in such cases of violence against women."...