Odisha recorded a 5.6 percent rise in crimes against women and children from 2024 to 2025, according to data cited from the National Crime Records Bureau and government statements, even as rape cases registered a slight decline during the period. The figures have renewed concern over offences such as rape, molestation, abduction, torture and murder, with officials and critics pointing to both persistent crime trends and continuing weaknesses in prevention and justice delivery.
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Crimes Against Women Rise
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi presented data in the Odisha Assembly showing that the state recorded 33,021 crimes against women in 2025. The total was higher than the roughly 30,958 to 32,687 such cases reported in 2024, reflecting an increase of about 5.6 percent.
The 2025 figures included 2,994 rape cases and 7,382 molestation cases. Other categories included 1,183 sexual harassment cases, 7,378 abductions of women, 1,448 incidents of public disrobing, 4,361 dowry torture cases and 5,419 non-dowry torture cases.
Rape Cases Dip, Overall Crime Climbs
Rape cases declined slightly from 3,054 in 2024 to 2,994 in 2025, though the figures remained high, averaging about eight cases a day. The data also showed that rape cases had increased by 8 percent in 2024 compared with 2023, rising from 2,826 to 3,054.
Overall cognisable crimes in Odisha rose from 214,113 in 2024 to 229,881 in 2025, a 7.3 percent increase. Bhubaneswar reported an 8.65 percent rise, while murder cases in the state increased marginally from 1,258 in 2024 to 1,304 in 2025.
The NCRB’s Crime in India 2023 report had classified Odisha among states with high rates of crimes against women. It recorded 25,914 such cases in 2023, up from 23,648 in 2022. The conviction rate stood at 6.9 percent, significantly below the national average, according to the report cited in the article.
Children’s Cases Add to Concern
Crimes against children also showed a worrying pattern. NCRB data for 2023 recorded 8,577 crimes against children in Odisha, up from 8,240 in 2022 and 7,899 in 2021. Kidnapping accounted for approximately 41 percent of these cases, while thousands of sexual offences involving minors were reported under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act.
Recent incidents, including cases of rape and murder of young children, have intensified public outrage. The report also referred to high-profile cases including the gang rape and murder of a 17-year-old tribal girl and the repeated rape followed by murder of a 23-year-old woman.
Experts and opposition voices attributed the increase to inadequate policing in rural areas, delayed justice, low conviction rates and social attitudes. Authorities highlighted some declines in certain crimes and efforts under new criminal laws emphasising forensic evidence, though critics maintained that implementation remained weak.
Sovana Mohanty of the Odisha State Mahila Commission strongly criticised the situation, saying it was “not good for society and is highly dangerous.” She said women should live with dignity and respect, adding that the BJP government and the Mahila Commission were working to address rising crimes against women and children. She also said the root cause lay with parents who had not imparted proper sanskar, or moral values and cultural upbringing, to their children.
About the author — Manoj B. is a law professional with a strong interest in legal affairs, technology, cybercrime, and digital safety. He writes on crime, governance, rights, online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. His work focuses on public awareness.
