October 24
Sharp rise in crimes against minors raises concerns over child safety in urban centres and remote border areas of Himachal Pradesh
Shimla: Crimes against minors have increased sharply in Himachal Pradesh, with Shimla recording a sixfold rise in cases registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and Sirmaur witnessing a 24-fold increase over the corresponding period last year.
According to official figures, 156 POCSO cases have been registered in the state so far this year, compared with 25 during the corresponding period in 2025. The figures have raised concerns about the safety of children in both urban and rural areas.
Shimla and Sirmaur have emerged as the districts with the most significant increases. Shimla, the state’s administrative and urban centre, and Sirmaur, which includes rural and remote border areas, are among the districts drawing attention over the rising numbers.
Sirmaur records 24-fold increase
Sirmaur has recorded 24 POCSO cases this year, compared with just one during the corresponding period last year. Shimla has reported six times as many cases as last year.
The district-wise figures show varying trends across Himachal Pradesh. Una has recorded seven cases, while Kinnaur and the industrial area of Baddi have reported six cases each. Hamirpur has registered five cases, Bilaspur four, Dehra police district two and Nurpur one.
Tribal district Lahaul-Spiti remained the only district in the state to report no POCSO cases during the period under review.
Cases rise in several districts
Other districts have also witnessed an increase. Mandi has recorded 22 cases, compared with three during the same period last year. Chamba’s tally has risen from two to 19, while Kangra has reported 16 cases, up from one last year.
Kullu has registered 11 cases, while Solan has reported nine.
The figures highlight the need for stronger child-protection measures, public awareness and effective intervention to safeguard minors, particularly in vulnerable communities and remote areas.
Police stress strict action
According to Director General of Police Ashok Tiwari, the police are handling such cases with sensitivity and strictness to ensure that offenders are brought to justice.
The sharp rise in reported cases has brought child safety into focus across the state. Strengthening awareness, encouraging timely reporting and ensuring support for victims remain important aspects of addressing crimes against children.
