Uttar Pradesh tops in murders, Rajasthan in rapes; cybercrimes surge 31%
The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) has released its 2023 report—and the findings paint an alarming picture of rising insecurity in India.
In 2023, 62.4 lakh crimes were reported across the country; 7.2% higher than 2022. While heinous crimes like murder and rape showed marginal decline, the volume of cases against women and children has touched a 10-year peak, making it one of the most disturbing trends of the decade.
| Category | 2023 Cases | Trend vs 2022 | Top State(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crimes | 62,41,569 | +7.2% | UP, Maharashtra |
| Women Crimes | 4,48,211 | 10-year high | UP, Maharashtra, WB, Rajasthan |
| Rape Cases | 29,670 | ↓ from 2022 | Rajasthan (5,078), UP (3,516) |
| Murder | 28,522 | Slight dip | UP (3,206) |
| Cyber Crime | 86,420 | +31% | Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka |
| Child Crimes | 1,77,000 | +9.2% | Madhya Pradesh (22,393) |
| Dowry Deaths | 6,156 | +14% | UP (2,122), Bihar (1,143) |
| Farmer Suicides | 10,700+ | 6.3% of total suicides | Maharashtra (38.5%), Karnataka (22.5%) |
Women & Children: Most Vulnerable
Crimes against women surged with 4.48 lakh cases, mostly involving cruelty by husbands/relatives, kidnapping for forced marriage, and sexual harassment.
- Rajasthan led rape cases with 5,078 incidents, followed by UP (3,516) and Delhi (1,094).
- In crimes against children, 1.77 lakh cases were registered—a 9.2% rise over 2022. On average, one crime against a child was reported every 3 minutes.
- Shockingly, in 96% of child sexual assault cases, the accused was known to the victim
Cybercrime Explosion
India reported 86,420 cybercrime cases in 2023—31% higher than the previous year.
- Online fraud dominated, with Mumbai topping in cyber-cheating cases.
- Hyderabad led in cyber-bullying and stalking, while Bengaluru topped internet-based sexual exploitation.
Farmers & Suicides
- Agrarian distress continued to haunt India. Over 10,700 farmers and farm labourers died by suicide—38.5% in Maharashtra alone, followed by Karnataka (22.5%)
Alarming Trend
The report shows India’s crime landscape shifting, with cybercrime, domestic violence, dowry deaths, and crimes against children on the rise. While some traditional crimes are falling, society’s most vulnerable remain increasingly unsafe.
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