The latest White Paper published by the Home Department of Odisha has revealed a complex picture of law and order in the state during the calendar year 2024. While the state witnessed a concerning rise in rape cases, there was a notable decline in murder cases and Left Wing Extremism (LWE) activities. The report provides an in-depth look at crime patterns, police action, and the state’s overall security situation, highlighting both challenges and successes.
Increase in Rape Cases and Decline in Murder Cases
One of the most striking findings in the White Paper is the increase in rape cases and the simultaneous decline in murder cases compared to the previous year.
- In 2024, Odisha reported 3,054 rape cases, up from 2,826 in 2023—an 8% increase.
- Conversely, the number of murder cases dropped by 7.6%, with 1,258 murders reported in 2024 compared to 1,362 in 2023.
The rise in rape cases raises serious concerns about women’s safety and the effectiveness of measures aimed at curbing sexual violence. On the other hand, the decline in murder cases suggests improved policing and better handling of violent crime. However, the increase in rape cases underscores the need for more focused interventions, including better law enforcement, increased awareness, and support for victims.
Total Cognizable Cases Reported in 2024
The state registered a total of 2,14,113 cognizable cases during 2024, reflecting the overall crime scenario in Odisha. The breakdown of these cases is as follows:
- Murder: 1,258 cases
- Dacoity: 356 cases
- Robbery: 2,582 cases
- Burglary: 6,408 cases
- Theft: 17,805 cases
- Swindling (Cheating): 6,307 cases
- Rioting: 1,471 cases
- Rape: 3,054 cases
- Motor Vehicle Accidents: 12,375 cases
- Other Miscellaneous Cases: 1,62,497 cases
This data highlights the wide range of criminal activities reported in the state, emphasizing the need for a more strategic approach to law enforcement and crime prevention.
Investigation Findings: Rape and Murder Cases
The police investigation outcomes reveal significant details about the handling of major crimes:
- Out of 3,054 registered rape cases, 2,986 were found to be true, and chargesheets were filed in 1,948 cases.
- In the case of murders, 1,215 out of 1,258 cases were confirmed to be true, and chargesheets were submitted in 542 cases.
- Overall, out of 2,14,113 registered cognizable cases, 2,07,204 were found to be true after investigation, and chargesheets were filed in 1,39,001 cases.
While the high rate of successful investigation indicates strong policing, the relatively low rate of chargesheet filing in murder cases suggests potential gaps in evidence collection, prosecution, or systemic delays that need to be addressed.
Reduction in Left Wing Extremism (LWE) Activities
A positive highlight of the report is the significant reduction in Left Wing Extremism (LWE) activities in the state.
- In 2024, only four LWE incidents were reported, down from nine incidents in 2023—a remarkable improvement attributed to intensified police action and strategic anti-Maoist operations.
- The police neutralized six CPI (Maoist) cadres, arrested eight, and facilitated the surrender of four Maoists.
- Weapons and explosives seized during anti-Maoist operations included 32 guns, 91 sophisticated explosives, and other materials.
- Civilian casualties in LWE incidents also dropped from three in 2023 to one in 2024.
The reduction in Maoist activity reflects the success of coordinated efforts between state police and central forces, improved intelligence gathering, and increased engagement with local communities in vulnerable regions.
Cybercrimes in Odisha: Growing Threat and Police Response
Cybercrime remains a growing threat in Odisha, with a significant rise in cases involving financial fraud and identity theft.
- In 2024, the state reported 2,501 cybercrime cases involving financial fraud amounting to ₹154.45 crore.
- The police arrested 581 individuals involved in these crimes, recovered ₹2.02 crore, and froze an additional ₹8.53 crore.
The rise in cybercrime reflects the increasing digitization of financial transactions and personal data, which has created new vulnerabilities. While the police have made progress in identifying and prosecuting offenders, more proactive measures—such as public awareness campaigns and better cybercrime reporting mechanisms—are essential to curb this trend.
Challenges and the Way Forward
The contrasting trends in Odisha’s crime report present a mixed picture:
- ✅ Reduction in murder and LWE activities signals better law enforcement and stronger governance.
- ❌ Increase in rape and cybercrime cases reflects ongoing social and technological challenges.
- ✅ Higher rates of successful investigation indicate effective policing and case resolution.
- ❌ Low conviction rates and delays in chargesheet filing highlight gaps in the judicial process.
To build on these successes and address the challenges, the state government must adopt a multi-pronged approach:
- Strengthen Policing and Prosecution: Increasing the capacity of law enforcement agencies, improving evidence collection, and speeding up judicial processes.
- Empower Women and Vulnerable Groups: Implementing targeted safety measures, support systems for survivors, and legal reforms.
- Enhance Cybersecurity: Developing more robust systems for preventing and detecting cybercrimes while strengthening public awareness about online safety.
- Maintain Pressure on Maoist Groups: Sustaining anti-Maoist operations while engaging with local communities to address root causes of insurgency.
Conclusion
Odisha’s crime trends in 2024 reflect a dynamic and evolving law and order landscape. While the decline in murder cases and Maoist activity reflects effective governance and policing, the rise in rape and cybercrime cases highlights areas that require immediate attention and strategic intervention. As Odisha continues to modernize and grow, ensuring public safety, justice, and social security must remain at the heart of the state’s governance agenda.
(By Brajabandhu Mahanta)