Accused in 902 rape cases are repeat offenders:Weak prosecution, easy bail create serial rapists, study finds

In the state, a worrying pattern has come to light in rape cases over the last 10 years. In as many as 902 cases, accused persons were arrested, got bail, and then committed the same crime again. Even after going to jail once, many did not stop, raising serious questions about why this cycle continues. An investigation found that in several cases, the accused targeted the same victim again. This suggests that the fear of punishment is very low, and the legal process is not acting as a strong deterrent. Data from the past decade shows that 902 such accused were identified who returned to crime after being released from jail. In some cases, even those who had completed their sentence were found to be involved in similar offences again. The findings also highlight gaps in the system. Weak prosecution in court often makes it easier for the accused to get bail. After release, there is also poor monitoring, which increases the chances of repeat offences. The investigation points to the victim as the most vulnerable part of this cycle. In many cases, victims withdraw or compromise due to pressure, social stigma, or fatigue from the long legal process. This weakens the case and allows the accused to get relief. Top-10 Cities : Most rape cases after bail in Jhabua-Indore Panna – Minor raped again after bail still on bail In Panna district, in January 2025, the accused lured a minor and took her with him. According to police records, he took her via Bhopal to Gurgaon, where he stayed with her for some time. During this period, a rape case was registered, and a month later, the police rescued the minor and arrested the accused. The accused was granted bail in April 2025. Subsequently, the minor was placed in a relative’s home under the direction of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC). This is where the system’s biggest lapse came to light. After being released on bail, the accused reached the place where the minor was kept. The accused raped her again. When the matter came to light for the second time, the police registered another case. The accused is currently out on bail. Sagar – First sexual exploitation, two abortions, then rape after bail In Sagar, a female student who enrolled in college in 2018 became acquainted with a young man. Their conversations grew, and the accused called her to meet and raped her. After this, he continuously forced her to have physical relations. In 2019, the student became pregnant twice, and both times abortions were performed under the accused’s pressure. When she talked about marriage, the accused backed out. The student filed a complaint. In October 2019, the accused was arrested. He got bail within a few days. Two years later, the accused contacted her again. He called her to meet, promising marriage, and raped her. He also pressured the victim for a compromise. Both cases are currently pending in court. The victim is now leaning towards a compromise. She says she wants to start a new life after marriage. There is family pressure. Bhopal – Went to jail in a gang-rape case, raped again within 15 days of release In Bhopal’s Shahjahanabad area, Shivnath Sawle alias Ghulam has previously been accused in several serious cases, including gang-rape. He went to jail in a case in 2023 and was released in 2025. Just 15 days after his release, on April 5, 2025, another case of rape was registered against him involving another young woman. The police registered an FIR on April 8 and arrested him. This accused already has several serious crimes registered against him, including gang-rape, rape, and molestation. This time, the court repeatedly rejected his bail applications. Expert View – The prosecution will have to present a strong case, only then will bail be rejected In such cases, the role of the prosecution is crucial. The prosecution should present its case strongly in court. Bring forth important facts related to the case. If there is any hidden aspect, bring that out too. If the accused has a past history, disclose it. The stronger the prosecution, the more difficult it will be for the accused to get bail. In cases involving adult victims, the accused often benefits from consent, but this is not the case with minors.’ -Deepak Agrawal, Justice High Court (Retired) Prosecution is the weakest link, both staff and resources are scarce here If a sexual offense is committed again, the accused is charged under the repeat offender section, but an enhanced sentence is only possible if there has been a conviction in the previous case. The court considers all circumstances while determining the sentence, but despite provisions in the law, it often doesn’t have its full effect on the accused. Once the charge sheet is filed, the role of the police becomes limited. During the trial, the main responsibility lies with the prosecution. The prosecution is the weakest link, where lack of staff and resources is a major problem -Anvesh Mangalam, Former Special DG