Average of 4 rapes a day in state: Patil

Mumbai: The state witnessed 1,704 incidents of alleged rapes last year, or an average of four such incidents a day. Among those, minor girls were victims in 924 instances: These figures were provided by home minister R R Patil in the legislative assembly on Monday.      Between 2005 and 2011, 10,837 cases of rape were reported, stated Patil in a written reply to the Lower House. Legislators cutting across party lines had raised the issue of rising incidents of violence against women in the state. Last year, 127 sexual assault cases were reported that were committed on victims below the age of 10, and another 188 incidents were reported where the victims were between 10 and 14 years.      Till the end of 2012, 14,414 cases of rape, 31,412 of molestation and 9,480 of harassment had been pending before courts. "The government has set up 13 special courts to try the cases. Hundred fast-track courts will be set up, among which 25 will hear cases related to women. All fast-track courts will run for the next five years," Patil said.