NCRB Data Shows 8.3% Decline In Crimes Against Women In 2020

NCRB 2020 Data: According to the data released by National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), the number of reported cases of crimes against women stood at 3,71,503 in 2020. This showed a 8.3 per cent decline from 2019 when 4,05,326 cases such cases were reported.

The data showed that the decline in the cases happened due to the lockdown induced by the COVID-19 pandemic from March 25, 2020 to May 31 2020. The NCRB report stated, "The country remained under complete lockdown from 25th March, 2020 and 31st May, 2020 due to COVID-19 pandemic (first wave), during which time movement in public space was very limited.

"The cases registered under crimes against women, children and senior citizens, theft, burglary, robbery and dacoity have therefore declined, whereas COVID related enforcement has resulted in an increase of cases registered under 'Disobedience to order duly promulgated by Public Servant (Sec. 188 IPC)', under 'Other IPC Crimes' and under 'Other State Local Acts," the report said.

Majority cases under 'cruelty by husband or relatives':

• 30.0 per cent cases were reported under cruelty by husband or relatives.
• 23.0 per cent cases of assault on woman with intent to outrage her modesty
• 16.8 per cent cases regarding kidnapping and abduction of women.
• 7.5 per cent cases of rape out of 48,037 cases of sexual assault against women.

Highest number of crimes against women in Odisha:

As per the report, Odisha reported 7,533 such cases at the rate of 33.4 per cent making the state reach the top of the list. Rajasthan followed with 6,869 cases. Haryana reported number of sexual harassment cases at 3,889 cases with the highest crime rate.

Data on cases of rape:

The NCRB report showed that a total of 28,046 cases of rape were registered in India. Assam reported the highest crime rate 9.7 per cent with 1,657 cases. Himanchal Pradesh followed with the rate of 9.1 per cent and 331 cases.

Crimes against children:

A total number of 1,28,531 cases of crimes against children were reported in 2020. Compared to the 1,48,090 cases registered in 2019, the number this year declined by 13.2 per cent.