Jaipur, May 30 (IANS) For years, delays in the investigation and disposal of rape and POCSO cases have remained one of the biggest concerns in India’s criminal justice system.

Long investigations often add more to the trauma of survivors and weaken public confidence in the trial process.

Rajasthan, however, is now presenting a different story, one where speed, sensitivity and accountability are increasingly shaping the justice framework.

Recent crime review figures suggest that the state has made notable progress in reducing investigation timelines and improving case disposal in crimes involving women and children, positioning Rajasthan among states attempting to strengthen time-bound justice mechanisms.

As per Rajasthan Minister of State for Home Jawahar Singh Bedham, “The average investigation time in rape cases has witnessed a dramatic decline. While rape investigations took an average of 107 days in 2023, that period has reduced to just 42 days in 2026, up to March. A similar trend has been recorded in cases registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, where the average investigation period has fallen from 103 to 40 days.”

Bedham said the improvement reflects both administrative efficiency and a more sensitive approach towards victims of such crimes.

“Ensuring time-bound justice has become a key priority for the administration. Sensitive cases involving women and children are now being handled with greater urgency, seriousness and accountability,” the MoS added.

“The transformation is visible not only in investigation timelines but also in disposal rates. In 2023, the disposal rate of rape and POCSO cases stood at nearly 55 per cent. By 2026, up to March, that figure has crossed 85 per cent, surpassing the national average rate and indicating a stronger focus on taking cases beyond registration and towards judicial resolution.”

Officials attribute this progress to a combination of policy direction, regular monitoring and institutional reforms within the police system.

“Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, periodic crime review meetings and stricter accountability measures have reportedly pushed police units to adopt a more result-oriented approach,” MoS Bedham said.

The officials told that the state has also made significant progress in the field of women’s safety.

According to a crime review, a decline of nearly 9.94 per cent was recorded in the total number of cases involving atrocities against women between the years 2023 and 2025.

A drop of more than 21 per cent in cases of rape (involving adults), along with a reduction in cases of molestation, demonstrates that both police sensitivity and strict enforcement are working in tandem.

Special efforts are also being undertaken to promote comprehensive awareness campaigns, women’s safety programmes, and community participation.

The state has also sought to improve its response mechanism in sensitive crimes through easier case registration, quicker police intervention and greater emphasis on victim-sensitive procedures.

Police officials have been directed to treat POCSO and crimes against women with heightened sensitivity while ensuring prompt action and uninterrupted investigation.

MoS Bedham said that crime control today is not merely about reacting to incidents but about ensuring timely and accountable justice delivery.

“The focus is not only on registering cases but also on ensuring that investigations are completed swiftly and justice reaches victims within a reasonable timeframe,” he added.

Rajasthan’s broader law-and-order strategy has also contributed to this shift.

Special drives against wanted criminals, anti-drug campaigns, cybercrime monitoring and technology-driven policing have strengthened the overall enforcement environment.

Internal accountability within the police force and increased public engagement have further reinforced trust in the system.

Experts have often pointed out that justice delayed can become justice denied, particularly in cases involving sexual violence and child abuse.

Against this backdrop, Rajasthan’s effort to cut investigation timelines and raise disposal rates is being viewed as an attempt to address one of the justice system’s longstanding challenges.

While challenges remain and sustained efforts will be necessary, the recent figures indicate that Rajasthan is increasingly positioning itself as a state where sensitive crimes are being addressed with greater speed and seriousness.

For survivors and their families, the reduction in waiting time may prove as important as the verdict itself, said officials in police headquarters.

–IANS

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