MHA to set up Investigative Units to counter crime against women

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Monday proposed to set up Investigative Units on Crimes against Women (IUCAW) in 20 percent of districts in each state.

The cost for such units will be shared equally by the state and the Centre.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, in a letter to all the Chief Ministers, stated that there is a need to strengthen various elements of the criminal justice system, namely, investigation, prosecution and trials by courts, to deal with the issue of rise of crimes against women.

The Home Minister took to twitter to share the contents of his letter.

"Keeping the issue of crimes against women in mind I have written to all state CMs advising them to strengthen the criminal justice system," he wrote.

"There is an urgent need to strengthen investigation, prosecution and trials by courts to deal with the issue of crimes against women," Singh added.

According to reports, the Home Ministry has proposed to initially set up 150 IUCAW units in the most crime-prone districts of each state. Each IUCAW will be headed by an officer of the rank of Additional Superintendent of Police and will be assisted by two deputy superintendent of police.

The objective of these units will be to investigate and augment the investigative machinery in relation to crimes against women, especially rape, dowry death, acid attack and human trafficking. The IUCAW will also look to instil confidence and encourage women to come forward and lodge their complaint.