Mumbai: Despite claims that Mumbai is safe for women and girls, crime statistics for the first half of 2025 reveal an alarming rise in sexual assault cases against women and minors, including rape, molestation, obscene acts, and kidnapping.

Sharp Rise in Crimes Against Women

Police statistics show a 26% increase in rape cases, with 602 crimes reported in 2025 compared to 478 in the same period of 2024. Incidents of outraging the modesty of women rose by 10.7%, from 1,169 in 2024 to 1,294 in 2025. Cases of intended insult to the modesty of women and girls increased by 27.5%, from 345 in 2024 to 440 in 2025.

The most concerning trend is the surge in crimes targeting minors. Sexual assault and exploitation of young children are rising daily, as they are easy targets. Of the 602 rape cases reported until June 2025, 308 involved minor girls, compared to 284 in 2024. The police solved 96% of POCSO rape cases this year, but 13 culprits remain at large. Molestation cases under the POCSO Act involving minors rose by 11.8%, from 297 in 2024 to 332 in 2025. Eve-teasing cases under POCSO nearly doubled, with 21 crimes reported in 2025, a 75% increase from 12 in 2024.

Over 70% of perpetrators in crimes against women and minors are known to the victims—family members, relatives, friends, neighbors, or acquaintances—while 25-30% are strangers committing crimes in public places or during travel.

Kidnapping of girls and women increased by 21.2%, from 594 cases in 2024 to 720 in 2025. Of these, 716 involved minors, a 20.9% rise from 592 cases in 2024. Police note that most kidnapping cases involve minors lured into marriage.

To curb sexual assault, strict legal action and maximum punishment for the accused are essential. Awareness campaigns in schools, colleges, and residential areas, where child abuse is prevalent, are critical, alongside educating parents.

Safety measures

For women’s safety, special mobile vans with women officers patrol roads, supported by Women Charlie Beat Marshals and a dedicated helpline, 103. Women’s cells in every po lice station handle complaints, counseling cells support victims of serious crimes like gang rape, anti-women abuse cells operate, and programmes like Police Didi are implemented.

Mumbai: Mumbai woke up to another gloomy, rain-drenched morning on Monday as the city reeled under heavy showers for the third consecutive day. With waterlogging and traffic congestion being reported from multiple areas, the city’s top cop issued a strong advisory, urging citizens to avoid non-essential travel and remain indoors wherever possible.

Mumbai Police Commissioner Shares Advisory

“Caution is advised as heavy rainfall continues under Orange Alert, incidents of water-logging and reduced visibility are being reported from multiple areas. Please avoid non-essential travel, plan your commute with care, and step out only if necessary,” said Mumbai Police Commissioner in a message to residents on X. He added that police officials were on high alert and ready to assist. Citizens have been advised to dial 100, 112 or 103 in case of emergencies.

The warning comes as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) kept Mumbai under an orange alert until Tuesday, forecasting moderate to heavy rainfall across the city and suburbs with the possibility of very heavy showers, especially at night. Temperatures are expected to remain steady with a maximum of 27°C and a minimum of 24°C.

BMC Shares Nowcast Warning

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) also echoed the police commissioner’s caution. Citing the IMD’s 10 am update, it warned of extremely heavy rainfall over the next three to four hours. “Citizens are advised to remain vigilant and take necessary safety measures. Please avoid going outdoors unless it is essential,” the civic body said in a post on X. It also shared its emergency helpline number, 1916.

Traffic Snarls On EEH & WEH

The downpour quickly translated into disruptions across the city. The Western Express Highway saw traffic snarls with commuters reporting over 30-minute delays along the Goregaon-to-Bandra stretch during peak hours. Similar congestion was reported in Byculla, Sion, Chembur, Kurla and on the Eastern Freeway. Visuals from Nalasopara showed vehicles moving through waterlogged streets that resembled shallow streams.

Local trains, considered Mumbai’s lifeline, experienced minor delays, adding to commuter woes. With the city still reeling from back-to-back days of heavy rainfall, officials have urged residents to step out only if necessary.

Beyond Mumbai, red alerts have been sounded in Raigad, Ratnagiri, Satara, Kolhapur and Pune, where extremely heavy showers are likely in the coming hours.

Mumbai: One person was injured after falling from the top of a human pyramid during Dahi Handi celebrations in Mumbai’s Dadar area on Saturday. The incident occurred as a group of Govindas attempted to break the handi by forming a human pyramid, a traditional highlight of the Janmashtami festival.

The injured participant received immediate medical attention and is reported to be in stable condition. The Dahi Handi celebration in Dadar draws massive crowds each year, and this year was no exception, with enthusiastic participation despite safety concerns.

11-Year-Old Boy Dies During Dahi Handi Practice In Dahisar; Pathak President Booked For Negligence

In another news story related to the Dahi Handi, a tragic incident unfolded in Hanuman Nagar, Ketkipada, Dahisar East, on Sunday, where an 11-year-old boy, Mahesh Jadhav, lost his life while practising for the upcoming Dahi Handi celebrations. Mahesh was a member of the Navtarun Govinda Pathak.

The Dahisar police registered an FIR on Monday against Balu Soornar, the President of the Navtarun Mitra Mandal Pathak, under Sections 106 (causing death by negligence) and 223 (disobedience to an order duly promulgated by a public servant) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Fall During Practice Turns Fatal

According to police reports, Mahesh was a resident of Dharkhadi, Dahisar East. His family comes from a modest background; his mother works as a domestic helper, his father is a labourer, and he has three younger brothers aged 8, 5, and 1. As the eldest child, Mahesh had taken part in the Dahi Handi practices held by his group.

In preparation for Gokulashtami, the Navtarun Govinda Pathak had been conducting practice sessions. However, reports suggest that no safety measures or protective equipment were provided to the participants. Being the smallest in the group, Mahesh was assigned the topmost position in the human pyramid. During Sunday night’s practice, he lost his balance while standing at the top and fell straight to the ground due to the absence of sufficient members below to cushion the fall.

He sustained critical injuries from the fall and was immediately taken to a multispeciality hospital in Dahisar East, where doctors declared him dead. His body was later transferred to Shatabdi Hospital for post-mortem examination.