Crime in India Report, 2023

Why in news?

Recently, the National Crime Records Bureau’s (NCRB) released the Crime in India 2023 report, show a clear rise in reported cases across most categories.

• The report shows in India where crime is both rising and being reported more openly.
• Released by – National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB)
• Key findings –
• Overall crime rate – Crime rate per lakh population climbed from 422.2 in 2022 to 448.3 in 2023 (Crime rates – Crime per lakh population)
• Total Cases – 6.24 million cognizable crimes were recorded - 3.76 million cases under IPC and 2.48 million cases under Special and Local Laws (SLL).
• High-volume crimes –
  • Theft – Accounted for the largest share of property offenses, with 689,580 cases.
  • Simple Hurt – With over 636,000 cases, it was the most common IPC offense.
  • Motor Vehicle Act Violations – More than doubled, contributing heavily to the overall increase in crime
• Crime against children – In 2023, a total of 1,77,335 cases, showing an increase of 9.2% as compared to 2022.
• Crimes against Scheduled Tribes (STs) – Increased 28.8% in 2023, with 12,960 cases registered.
• Worst affected state – Manipur (ethnic violence), followed by Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan.
• Crime against Scheduled Castes (SCs) – In 2023, there were 57,789 cases registered, Uttar Pradesh accounting for highest, followed by Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh (8,232).
• Cybercrime –
  • The crime rate increased steadily from 27,248 in 2018, 44,735 in 2019, 65,893 in 2022 and 86,420 cases in 2023.
  • Majority of cases – Fraud, extortion and sexual exploitation accounting for the.
  • Most cases - Karnataka, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh.
• Crime against women –
  • A total of 4,48,211 cases were registered, marking an increase of 0.7%.
  • Highest no of cases – Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, West Bengal.
  • Majority of cases – Cruelty by husband or relatives (29.8%), kidnapping and abduction of women (19.8%), assault on women with intent to outrage her modesty (18.71%), Acid attack (0.04 %).

References

1. The Hindu | Crime in India report, 2023
2. Indian Express | Crime in India report, 2023
3. India Today | Crime in India report, 2023