NCRB data: Another perspective
The data released by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) has once again started a debate on the control of crime in Uttar Pradesh. UP, being the country’s most populous state, is home to an estimated population of 24.1 crore in 2021. (Source: UID: 241 million). In comparison, Bihar has a population of 12.4 crore (UID:124 million); Maharashtra 12.47 crore (124.7 million); Madhya Pradesh 8.68 crore (86.8 million) and West Bengal 10 crore (100 million). It’s prudent to analyse data keeping this background in view.
Some of the analysts have been quick to jump to conclusions. They have outlined that the highest number of murders has occurred in UP during 2020 – the figure being 3779, followed by 3150 in Bihar, 2163 in Maharashtra; 2101 in Madhya Pradesh and 1948 in West Bengal. Now we analyse it further. A state of 24 crore has a high number of murders, but the states with half the population are not very far behind.
For every one lakh of people, 2.5 murders have occurred in Bihar, 2.42 in MP, 1.94 in West Bengal, 1.73 in Maharashtra and only 1.56 in UP.
The crime pattern of murders is very individualistic. The NCRB data details that the majority of murders have happened either because of personal vendetta related with illicit affairs or gain of property.
NCRB data show a sharp increase in crime against women in West Bengal, Rajasthan and Odisha during 2020 in comparison to the total figures of 2019. Rajasthan recorded the maximum number of rape cases during the period. The rate of total crime against women during 2020, as reported by NCRB, is an eye opener. Odisha has a rate of 112.9, Rajasthan 90.5, and West Bengal 76.2 per lakh of population. Telangana, Kerala have a rate of 95.4 and 55.1 respectively and Maharashtra 53.8. The national average is 55.9. UP under the Yogi government has a rate of 45.1, well below the national average.
According to NCRB data, the highest number of cases has been reported in Odisha under the category “assault on women with intent to outrage her modesty or simply assault on women.” Odisha has reported 7533 such cases with a rate of 33.4. Rajasthan is a close second with 6869 cases and a rate of 18.0 and Maharashtra 4485 cases and a rate of 7.6. Kerala has a rate of 12.8 incidences, Telangana 13.5 and Chhattisgarh 8.1. The national average is 7.1. UP has reported 3836 cases with a rate of only 3.5, well below the national average.
Uttar Pradesh has shown the sharpest decline in crime against women with an almost 35 per cent fall under all heads.
All data analysis further reports that the top three states having maximum registered-cases for atrocities on scheduled caste persons are Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Delhi. UP has ensured safety for these vulnerable sections of the society too.
UP has not seen a single communal riot in 2020.
The rate of total cognizable crimes in 2020 per lakh of population is the highest for Tamil Nadu at 1808.8, followed by Kerala with 1568.4, Maharashtra 435.8 and Rajasthan 331.2. The national average is 478.4 cases per lakh. UP has a rate of 287.4 cases only.
NCRB data is a reflection on the zero tolerance policies adopted by the Yogi government against crime, criminals and mafia.
FOR EVERY ONE LAKH OF PEOPLE, 2.5 MURDERS HAVE OCCURRED IN BIHAR, 2.42 IN MP, 1.94 IN WEST BENGAL, 1.73 IN MAHARASHTRA AND ONLY 1.56 IN UTTAR PRADESH.