In a worrying trend, Himachal Pradesh has witnessed a massive surge in rape cases under the Protection of Children against Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 within a time period of one year. As per the data of the Himachal Pradesh police, the state has witnessed eight times more rapes of minors in the state during the first quarter of 2026 (Jan 1 to March 31) as compared to the first quarter of 2025.
The state so far has witnessed as many as 49 cases of rapes of minor, while in 2025, it had only recorded five such cases. With 13 cases registered so far, Sirmour emerged as the most vulnerable district for minors in the state.
Last year, the district had recorded zero such cases. Similarly, seven cases of rapes of minor were reported in Chamba, six in Kullu, five in Shimla, four each in Kangra and Police district Baddi, three in Bilaspur, two each in Solan, Hamirpur, Una and Police District Nurpur and one in Police District Dehra.
Apart from these, Lahaul and Spiti and Kinnaur remained the safest districts for minors and both districts have recorded no such cases so far.
However, the cases were very low in the first quarter of 2025 as only one case each were reported in Shimla, Kangra, Mandi, Kinnaur and Chamba districts.
Similarly, the state has also witnessed a surge in molestation cases involving minors, with five such cases reported so far this year, compared to none in the first quarter of 2025.
According to the police, Chamba district reported the highest number of such cases at two, while one case each was registered in Kullu, Kangra and Sirmaur districts.
Speaking about the measures being taken to prevent such incidents involving minors, a senior police officer said these cases were handled with sensitivity and strictness, ensuring prompt action against the accused. He added that awareness campaigns were being conducted in educational institutions to sensitise students about such crimes and the relevant legal provisions.
