BHAKTAPUR: Data published by the Metropolitan Police Range, Bhaktapur, has shown that rape cases have been rampant in Bhaktapur district in the past three years, with the occurrence of 58 cases of rape and 25 cases of attempted rape.

A total of 13 cases of rape and four of attempted rape has been recorded in the current fiscal year so far, according to the data.

Increasing population, misuse of internet and social network, and lax law enforcement are some of the major reasons behind the increasing rape cases, said police.

At an interaction organised by the Range, Chief Judge of Bhaktapur District Court, Bhojraj Sharma, called for support from all bodies including court, administration, local bodies, health institutions, journalists and human rights activists in controlling the incidence of rape.

Similarly, Chief of District Coordination Committee, Navaraj Gelal, said that the local-level should prioritise campaign against rape. Chief District Officer, Drona Pokharel, informed that a three-month action plan would be introduced, which will recommend stern action against rapists, and Deputy-Mayor of Suryabinayak Municipality, Juna Basnet, called for community awareness against rape.

Chief of Women and Children Office Nila Ghimire, Chairperson of Gatthaghar Community Police Service Centre Surendra Bogati, and Police Inspector of Metropolitan Police Circle-Jagati Gopal Dhakal stressed hassle-free legal processes for delivering justice to victims.