The latest data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) has revealed that Delhi witnessed the highest rate of FIRs related to crimes against women in 2022 across India. The capital city reported 14,247 cases, translating to a rate of 144.4 per lakh, significantly surpassing the national average of 66.4. For context, the figures for 2020 and 2021 were 10,093 and 14,277, respectively.
In terms of absolute numbers, Uttar Pradesh led with 65,743 cases in 2022, followed by Maharashtra with 45,331, Rajasthan with 45,058, West Bengal with 34,738, and Madhya Pradesh with 32,765. These top five states collectively accounted for half of the total cases reported in the country.
Twelve states and union territories recorded crime rates higher than the national average. Besides Delhi, Haryana had a crime rate of 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, and West Bengal 71.8. Uttar Pradesh’s crime rate was 58.6.
In 2022, India registered a total of 4,45,256 cases of crimes against women, averaging to 51 FIRs per hour. The majority of offenses under the Indian Penal Code involved 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%), as reported by the NCRB via PTI.
The increase in the FIR rate does not necessarily indicate a surge in crimes; rather, it suggests that more individuals are stepping forward to report incidents. The NCRB emphasized that the rise or fall in crime numbers warrants a thorough investigation into underlying factors within local communities, urging a professional approach to address pertinent issues. They noted that initiatives such as the introduction of e-FIR facilities or women helpdesks might contribute to variations in crime reporting numbers.