Bhubaneswar: Odisha recorded the highest rate of violent crimes in 2024 and was ranked second nationwide in the rate of offences against women, the latest NCRB report revealed.Crime rate is calculated on the number of offences/victims per lakh population, using the mid-year projected population of 2024 based on the 2011 census.As per NCRB data, at least 161.6 people per lakh population (projected population 466.6 lakh) in Odisha were victims of violent offences such as murder, rape and kidnapping — the highest in the country. In comparison, Bihar stood second with 83 victims/lakh population (projected population 1292.1 lakh), despite reporting the highest absolute number of violent crimes.Overall, Odisha registered 75,403 violent crimes in 2024, placing it fourth in terms of total cases after Bihar (1,07,303), Maharashtra (87,791) and Uttar Pradesh (85,647).Odisha’s crime rate (161.6 crimes/lakh people) was alarming when assessed against its smaller population. “The figures are shocking. Number wise, we have less crimes, but when it comes to the number of people affected, we are on top. A smaller population should ideally mean fewer crimes, but Odisha’s rate shows a disturbing trend,” retired DSP Sunil Kumar Swain said.The data also revealed a sharp surge in violent crime in the state. After declining from 43,566 cases in 2022 to 31,749 in 2023, incidents more than doubled in 2024. “This sudden spike suggests systemic issues in law enforcement and social safety nets,” Swain said.Crimes against women also rose in the state, climbing from 25,914 cases in 2023 to 27,449 in 2024. With a projected female population of 232 lakh, Odisha recorded a rate of 118.3 crimes/lakh women, second only to Telangana’s 128.6 (based on its projected female population of 190.5 lakh).Women’s rights activists expressed grave concern. “Odisha has consistently struggled with crimes against women, but these numbers show that the problem is worsening. Stronger policing and faster justice delivery are urgently needed,” said activist Namrata Mohanty.Police officers, however, cautioned against equating higher registration of cases with higher crime figures. “The primary presumption that an upward swing in police data indicates an increase in crime and thus a reflection of the ineffectiveness of the police, is wrong. ‘Rise in crime’ and ‘increase in registration of crime by police’ are clearly two different things. Citizen-centric initiatives such as e-FIR facilities and women helpdesks have encouraged more victims to come forward,” a senior officer explained.Police reiterated their commitment to women’s safety. “Regular monitoring of ‘Red Flag’ cases helped fast-track trials, with impressive conviction rate. To strengthen surveillance, CCTV cameras are being installed at vulnerable points across districts,” the officer added.
