Violent crime trends declined over past decade: NCRB data

India has witnessed a decline in violent crimes over the last decade, with the latest National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data showing a reduction in murders, rapes, dowry deaths and riots.

Decadal comparison of violent crimes statistics between 2004 and 2014 and 2014 to 2023 reveals that during the Congress-led UPA era, rape cases rose from 18,233 in 2004 to 36,735 in 2014, signalling concerning trends for women’s safety.

From 2014 onwards, crime trends have slowed. By 2023, the number of rape cases had declined to 29,670, representing a 19 per cent reduction over 2014 levels.

Data for dowry-related deaths shows cases increased from 7,026 in 2004 to 8,455 in 2014, a rise of nearly 20 per cent. By 2023, the number of dowry deaths had dropped to 6,156, marking a 27 per cent reduction compared to 2014, one of the steepest declines among all major violent crimes.

Incidents of riots, which had grown by about 10 per cent between 2004 and 2014 — from 59,971 to 66,042 — have also declined. By 2023, riot cases had fallen to 39,260, marking a 40 per cent fall from the 2014 figure, sharpest among all categories documented by the National Crime Records Bureau.

As for murders cases averaged 33,200 between 2004 and 2014. From 33,981 cases in 2014, the figure fell to 27,721 in 2023 — an 18 per cent decline.

Union Home Ministry officials say government’s initiatives to modernise policing and strengthen internal security have played a crucial role in achieving crime reductions. The Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) project, which had stagnated under the UPA, was revitalised over the past decade, they say.

This network now connects 17,712 police stations and provides access to over 35 crore crime records nationwide, enabling faster investigations and improved coordination.

Through the Assistance to States and UTs for Modernisation of Police (ASUMP) scheme, the Centre says it has allocated Rs 4,846 crore since 2021 to help states upgrade their police forces with modern weapons, advanced communication systems and cutting-edge technology.

Lowering violent crime trends further remains a priority, MHA sources add.