Sex Offenders Register on the cards in Telangana 

Following the incident of a primary school student being raped in a school in Banjara Hills, Krishnan tweeted the suggestion on Thursday, tagging Rama Rao.

Hyderabad: A Sex Offenders Register is on the cards in the State, with Padma Shree awardee and Prajwala founder Sunitha Krishnan suggesting one and IT Minister KT Rama Rao agreeing to take the concept forward.

Following the incident of a primary school student being raped in a school in Banjara Hills, Krishnan tweeted the suggestion on Thursday, tagging Rama Rao.

“Can we set up a Sex Offenders Register for the State of Telangana of convicted offenders on the lines that exists in #USA which even the public can access for the purposes of recruitment etc. I am happy to submit a concept note based on research of 20 countries,” she said.

The Minister responded immediately, agreeing to the idea. “Let’s absolutely get it done. Please present the concept note and we will take it forward,” he replied.

It is not clear yet whether the register in Telangana would have names of people accused of sexual offences or those convicted. Following Sunitha Krishnan’s suggestion, concerns were raised in replies to her tweet asking what would happen if the names of accused were given, and if the person was exonerated later.

What is a Sex Offenders Register

For the unversed, the Sex Offenders Register has a database of offenders convicted under charges of rape, gang rape, Protection of Children from Sexual Offences, and eve teasing. The concept of a registry is to safeguard women and children.

India is among countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, and Trinidad & Tobago, that maintain such a sex offenders list.

In the registry, details such as name, address, photograph, fingerprint, DNA sample, PAN, and Aadhar numbers of sex offenders are stored for at least 15 years. Besides data on rape accused and convicts, the repository will also have information about those booked for eve-teasing and stalking.

The database profiles offenders under three categories – those posing low danger to the community, moderate danger and serious danger. While a first-time offender will see his name in the database for 15 years from the date of registration of offence, it is 25 years for repeat offenders.

People who are registered in offender databases are usually required to notify the government when they change their place of residence. However, access to this information will be limited to officers with requisite clearances. Schools, colleges, and other organisations can use the database through law enforcement agencies for background checks.

The United States is the only country where the Sex Offender Registry is available to the public.