📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / National Law Forum, L.L.C
Crime
NLU Study Finds Harsh Penalties Fail to Deter Rape, 154 Convicts Targeted Minors
✍️ Amar Ujala · Bhopal
🗓 31 Oct 2026, 05:33 PM
👁 17
A six‑year study by National Law University surveyed 300 convicted rapists in Madhya Pradesh prisons, revealing that severe punishments have not altered offenders’ attitudes, with over half targeting minors.
National Law University (NLU) in Bhopal completed a six‑year research project that interviewed 300 convicted rapists serving sentences in Madhya Pradesh prisons. The study aimed to assess whether the introduction of stringent punishments, including death penalty and life imprisonment, has any impact on the offenders’ attitudes toward sexual violence.
The findings show that the severity of legal sanctions has not altered the mindset of many perpetrators. Of the 300 inmates surveyed, 154 admitted that their victims were minors, indicating a persistent targeting of children despite the existence of harsh statutory provisions.
Researchers said the data suggest that deterrence through punitive measures alone is insufficient. They highlighted the need for comprehensive strategies that address the psychological and social factors driving sexual offences, such as early intervention, education, and rehabilitation programs within the correctional system.
The study calls for policymakers to complement strict laws with preventive and rehabilitative initiatives to curb the prevalence of rape, especially against children, in the state.
The findings show that the severity of legal sanctions has not altered the mindset of many perpetrators. Of the 300 inmates surveyed, 154 admitted that their victims were minors, indicating a persistent targeting of children despite the existence of harsh statutory provisions.
Researchers said the data suggest that deterrence through punitive measures alone is insufficient. They highlighted the need for comprehensive strategies that address the psychological and social factors driving sexual offences, such as early intervention, education, and rehabilitation programs within the correctional system.
The study calls for policymakers to complement strict laws with preventive and rehabilitative initiatives to curb the prevalence of rape, especially against children, in the state.