The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) has released its detailed report for the year 2023, presenting a comparative account of crimes registered across states and union territories in India. According to the report, Telangana ranks the highest in terms of the rate of crimes against women, while Uttar Pradesh performs relatively better when it comes to crime rate. However, in terms of absolute numbers, crimes against women in the state have increased. At the same time, incidents of heinous crimes such as murder, robbery, dacoity, and kidnapping have declined in Uttar Pradesh, which is seen as a positive sign for law and order.
Decline in the Crime Rate Against Women
The NCRB report states that Telangana (124.9 per lakh female population) ranks first in the rate of crimes against women, followed by Rajasthan (114.8), Odisha (112.4), Haryana (110.3), and Kerala (86.1). Uttar Pradesh ranks 17th in the country in terms of crime rate against women.
Between 2021 and 2023, the number of crimes against women in UP has been rising steadily. In 2021, 56,083 cases were registered, which increased to 65,743 in 2022 and further to 66,381 in 2023. Among these, 33 cases were related to gangrape and murder after rape. Additionally, 3,556 cases of rape were reported, including 301 minor victims. There were also 140 cases of attempted rape.
In dowry-related crimes, 2,141 cases of dowry deaths were registered. Furthermore, 396 cases of abetment to suicide, 106 cases of forced abortions, 28 acid attack cases, and 4 cases of attempted acid attacks were recorded. Domestic violence and harassment by husbands or in-laws accounted for 20,231 cases. Kidnapping and abduction of women amounted to 15,074 cases, of which 10,675 were linked to forced marriages. Among these victims, 3,649 were under 18 years of age. In addition, 7 cases of trafficking of women and 1 case of selling a minor girl were reported.
An important aspect of the report is the growing willingness of people to report crimes. Experts believe this does not only reflect an increase in crime but also indicates growing public trust in the police and law enforcement system.
Crimes Related to Children
According to the report, Uttar Pradesh ranked 28th in terms of crimes against children. In 2021, 16,838 cases were registered, which rose to 18,682 in 2022 and slightly further to 18,852 in 2023-showing only a marginal increase compared to previous years.
These included 223 cases of child murder, 19 cases of rape followed by murder, and 17 attempted murders. Child abduction remained a serious issue, with 8,160 cases reported in 2023. Several of these cases were linked to ransom demands and forced marriages.
However, in national comparison, UP performed better than many other states in this category. This indicates that the state has taken relatively effective steps to control serious crimes against children.
Towards a Crime-Free UP: Yogi Government’s Strategy
Overall, 34,05,202 cases were registered under IPC across the country in 2023, of which 4,28,794 cases were from Uttar Pradesh. However, in terms of crime rate, Uttar Pradesh ranked 20th in the country. In 2021, the state recorded 3,57,505 cases, which rose to 4,01,787 in 2022.
The most notable aspect is the decline in heinous crimes. For example, cases of murder, kidnapping, robbery, and dacoity numbered 52,505 in 2021, slightly increased to 52,579 in 2022, but declined to 49,453 in 2023.
Under the leadership of CM Yogi, the state government has consistently maintained a tough stance on crime control. The police administration has been increasingly using modern technology to track criminals and ensure swift convictions. Greater use of forensic science, digital surveillance, and tracking systems has contributed to a decline in crime rates.
The government’s clear objective is to send a strong message that criminals will not be spared at any cost. With stricter policing and greater public cooperation, Uttar Pradesh appears to be moving steadily toward the goal of becoming a crime-free state.
