False Marriage Promise Cases Rise to 179 in Mumbai as Rape Numbers Drop

Mumbai recorded a decline in several major categories of crime against women during the first six months of this year, although cases involving sexual relationships established through a false promise of marriage increased sharply, according to official Mumbai Police crime data up to June 30.

During the six-month period, the police registered 456 rape cases, compared with 476 during the corresponding period last year, marking a decline of 20 cases. Out of the 456 cases registered in the city this year, 441 cases have been successfully solved by investigating officers.

Despite the reduction in total rape cases, offences involving sexual intercourse obtained through deceitful means, including a false promise of marriage, saw a steep escalation. The number of such cases rose from 126 in the first half of last year to 179 cases this year, reflecting an increase of 53 cases.

Trends regarding the protection of women's modesty presented a varied picture across Mumbai. Cases related to outraging the modesty of women fell from 1,294 cases during the same period in 2025 to 1,141 this year. Conversely, cases involving intentional insult to the modesty of women increased from 440 to 559.

Kidnapping cases involving women and young girls also dropped across the city. The police registered 669 cases till June 30 this year, involving 664 minor girls and five adult women. This reflects a drop from the 720 cases registered during the corresponding period last year, which included 716 cases involving minor girls.

In domestic cases, physical and mental cruelty cases linked to dowry increased from 246 to 260. However, incidents of physical and mental harassment of married women for reasons other than dowry saw a decline, dropping from 253 cases last year to 227 cases this year.