The reported incidents of rape are on the rise in Rupandehi, District Police Office said. According to data available with police, 49 complaints of rape were registered in the past fiscal year whereas in fiscal years 2013/14 and 2012/13, 44 and 32 rape cases were reported in the district. Police said most victims of rape incidents reported in the past three years are between the ages of 10 to 15. These girls have been molested by neighbours, family members, relatives and teachers, police said. Police investigations show that girls are raped by their father, grandfather, uncle and even brothers. Police Inspector Delim Ghimire said rape incidents have increased due to lack of knowledge and also the use of drugs. Superintendent of Police Rajendra Dhakal said some organisations implemented various programmes against rape but they remained ineffective. He said bandas called by the several parties have also affected their campaign. He argued that sexual violence against woman has increased due to the poverty, unemployment, illiteracy and irresponsibility of the parents. “Awareness classes should be conducted from houses to school in order to minimise rape cases,” he said. Advocate Hema Neupane said the rape cases increased due to growing use of offensive videos, drugs abuse and lack of sex education. Activists also blamed security personnel and court for being insensitive towards victims.