The annual crime report released by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) has brought to light concerning statistics, revealing that Delhi holds the unfortunate distinction of registering the highest crime rate against women in the country for the year 2022. With 14,247 reported cases, Delhi’s crime rate stood at 144.4 per lakh, significantly surpassing the national average of 66.4. This marked increase in crime against women is a matter of serious concern, as reported by PTI.
The NCRB data also shed light on the crime scenario in other states, showing that Uttar Pradesh recorded 65,743 FIRs related to crimes against women in 2022, followed by Maharashtra with 45,331, Rajasthan with 45,058, West Bengal with 34,738, and Madhya Pradesh with 32,765. These states collectively contributed 50.2% of the total cases reported in the country in 2022, amounting to 2,23,635 cases.
The crime rates, as indicated by the NCRB report, highlight that 12 states and Union Territories recorded rates higher than the national average of 66.4. Delhi secured the top spot with a rate of 144.4, followed by Haryana (118.7), Telangana (117), Rajasthan (115.1), Odisha (103), Andhra Pradesh (96.2), Andaman and Nicobar Islands (93.7), Kerala (82), Assam (81), Madhya Pradesh (78.8), Uttarakhand (77), Maharashtra (75.1), West Bengal (71.8), and Uttar Pradesh (58.6).
The NCRB data emphasized that a total of 4,45,256 cases of crime against women were registered nationwide in the previous year, averaging nearly 51 FIRs every hour. Comparatively, there were 4,28,278 cases in 2021 and 3,71,503 in 2020.
The majority of crimes against women under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) were categorized as cruelty by the husband or his relatives (31.4%), followed by kidnapping and abduction of women (19.2%), assault on women with the intent to outrage her modesty (18.7%), and rape (7.1%), according to the NCRB data.
The NCRB clarified that the increase in FIRs does not necessarily indicate a rise in actual crime; rather, it signifies more people coming forward to report incidents. The distinction between the “rise in crime” and the “increase in the registration of crime by police” is crucial, as clarified by the NCRB. Factors such as citizen-centric police initiatives, like the launch of e-FIR facilities or women helpdesks, could contribute to the uptick in reported cases.
The NCRB concluded that understanding the underlying factors behind the increase or decrease in crime numbers is essential. It called for a professional investigation into community-specific factors to effectively address the pertinent issues. The report emphasizes that a nuanced approach is necessary to interpret crime statistics accurately and implement targeted measures to ensure the safety and security of women across the country.