Crime statistics help measure the safety, governance, and social conditions of a country. In India, crime data is officially published by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) under the Ministry of Home Affairs. This blog provides a state-wise and category-wise analysis of crime in India, based on officially reported NCRB data.
What Is Crime Rate in India?
Crime rate refers to the number of cognizable crimes registered per one lakh population. This method allows fair comparison between states with different population sizes. A higher crime rate does not always indicate higher criminal activity; in many cases, it reflects better reporting and law enforcement efficiency.
State-Wise Crime Rate in India
Below is the ranking of Indian states and union territories based on overall crime rate per lakh population.
Overall Crime Rate – State and UT Wise
| Rank | State / UT | Crime Rate (Per Lakh Population) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kerala | 1631.2 |
| 2 | Delhi (UT) | 1602.0 |
| 3 | Gujarat | 806.3 |
| 4 | Haryana | 739.2 |
| 5 | Tamil Nadu | 701.4 |
| 6 | Manipur | 627.8 |
| 7 | Madhya Pradesh | 569.3 |
| 8 | Maharashtra | 470.4 |
| 9 | Chhattisgarh | 404.2 |
| 10 | Rajasthan | 388.8 |
| 11 | Odisha | 386.7 |
| 12 | Assam | 379.0 |
| 13 | Andhra Pradesh | 346.3 |
| 14 | Uttar Pradesh | 335.3 |
| 15 | Karnataka | 268.1 |
| 16 | Himachal Pradesh | 256.0 |
| 17 | Punjab | 240.6 |
| 18 | Arunachal Pradesh | 178.0 |
| 19 | Jharkhand | 164.5 |
| 20 | Nagaland | 71.8 |
Crimes Against Women in India
Crimes against women include domestic violence, sexual offences, harassment, and dowry-related cases. This category remains one of the most critical indicators of social safety.
Top States by Total Crimes Against Women
| Rank | State | Total Cases |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Uttar Pradesh | 66,381 |
| 2 | Maharashtra | 47,101 |
| 3 | Rajasthan | 45,450 |
| 4 | West Bengal | 34,691 |
| 5 | Madhya Pradesh | 32,342 |
Crime Rate Against Women (Per Lakh Female Population)
| Rank | State | Crime Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Telangana | 124.9 |
| 2 | Rajasthan | 114.8 |
| 3 | Odisha | 112.4 |
| 4 | Haryana | 110.3 |
| 5 | Kerala | 86.1 |
Category-Wise Crime in India
Crimes in India are classified under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Special and Local Laws (SLL).
Major Crime Categories and Their Share
| Crime Category | Share (%) |
|---|---|
| Property Crimes | 32.4% |
| Crimes Against Women | 18.3% |
| Violent Crimes | 15.1% |
| Cyber Crimes | 12.2% |
| Economic Crimes | 11.7% |
| Other IPC Crimes | 10.3% |
Property crimes such as theft and burglary account for the largest portion of reported crimes in India.
Cyber Crime in India
Cyber crime has emerged as one of the fastest-growing crime categories due to increased internet usage, digital payments, and online services.
States with High Cyber Crime Reporting
| Rank | State | Reporting Level |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Telangana | High |
| 2 | Karnataka | High |
| 3 | Maharashtra | High |
| 4 | Uttar Pradesh | Moderate |
| 5 | Delhi (UT) | Moderate |
Conclusion
Official NCRB crime data provides a reliable and structured understanding of crime patterns in India. State-wise and category-wise analysis highlights the impact of population size, urbanization, and reporting practices on crime statistics. Proper interpretation of this data helps policymakers, researchers, and citizens work toward better law enforcement, awareness, and social safety.
