Voicing concern over the increasing cases of atrocities on women and children, Maharashtra Legislative Council Deputy Chairman Manikrao Thakre said the government will be asked to take stern measures to curb such incidents.

"Cases of rape and atrocities have increased in the recent past. There are laws in place to punish criminals but at the same time, state government should take stringent measures to prevent such cases," Thakre said here yesterday, adding he would instruct the government to act in this direction.