India: Safety concerns rise following crimes against women in Delhi and Odisha

Recent reports of violence against women in India have prompted renewed calls for improved public safety and infrastructure. In Delhi, a gang rape of a 17-year-old girl near Kalkaji Mandir and a harassment incident in Bihar's Jamui have sparked student protests. In response to the Delhi incidents, the Delhi Development Authority and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi announced safety audits of public parks to evaluate lighting and security. The Delhi Police also plans to deploy ‘pink police’ and increase patrolling.

In Odisha, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi informed the Assembly that 71,769 cases of crimes against women were registered between June 2024 and July 2026. Of these, 13,806 individuals were arrested. The state government is utilizing Investigative Units on Crime Against Women (IUCAW) across 29 districts and has implemented community policing initiatives to encourage reporting. Additionally, special POCSO courts and cybercrime monitoring units are being utilized to address sensitive cases and online abuse.