Crimes against women won't stop even if there is a cop in every house: R R Patil

Maharashtra's Home Minister R.R.Patil stirred controversy on Wednesday by stating in the state assembly that even if the government provides one policeman for every house, crime against women can't be stopped.

Patil made the statement in the Maharashtra Assembly, while replying to the opposition's charge that women are feeling unsafe under the current regime.

Patil said that the rise in rape cases is the result of a downslide in moral values.

Defending his comment, Patil said 6.34% rapes are committed by brothers and fathers, 6.65% of rapes are committed by close relatives, 42% by known persons and 40% of the women are raped after being lured for marriage.

"Rate of crimes against women is lesser in Maharashtra as compared to other states," he stressed.

Patil's controversial statement assumes significance in the wak of President Pranab Mukherjee saying on Monday that the central government will have a zero tolerance policy for violence against women.

Women activists, experts and observers said they were shocked by Patil's comments, and demanded that he should resign, and be held accountable for the way the police force in his state was operating.