By Soniya:
Odisha recorded the highest violent crime rate in India in 2024, according to the Crime in India-2024 report released by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). The State reported 161.6 victims per lakh population, placing it at the top among all States and Union Territories. Bihar ranked second with 83 victims per lakh population.
In absolute numbers, Odisha registered 75,403 violent crime cases in 2024, making it the fourth-highest State after Bihar, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh. The State has witnessed a sharp increase in violent crimes over the last few years, rising from 43,566 cases in 2022 and 31,749 cases in 2023.
The NCRB data also highlighted growing concerns regarding crimes against women and children in Odisha. The State ranked second in India in the rate of crimes against women, recording 118.3 offences per lakh women in 2024. Telangana topped the list with 128.6 cases per lakh women. Odisha reported 33,021 cases of crimes against women in 2025.
The report further revealed that more than 6,000 children went missing in Odisha during 2024, with girls accounting for nearly 87% of these cases. Crimes against children stood at 8,577 cases in 2023, with kidnapping contributing around 41% of the total cases.
Overall cognisable crimes in Odisha also increased significantly, reaching 229,881 cases in 2025 compared to 214,113 cases in 2024. The data underlines the growing law-and-order challenges in the State and the need for stronger policing, women’s safety measures, and child protection systems.
