Bhubaneswar: Crime incidents have considerably declined in Odisha showing improvement in law-and-order scenario with rape cases dropping to 2994 last year, the state Assembly was informed on Monday.
The information was shared by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who holds the Home portfolio, while answering a question in the House. He said the overall crime rate dropped during July 2024–December 2025 compared to the period from February 2023–June 2024.
As per the official data presented in the House, several major categories of crime showed a reduction during the period. While rape cases declined by 3.5%, incidents of outraging modesty fell by 2.2% and harassment of women in public places dropped by 26.8%.
Similarly, dowry death cases declined by 8.3%, acid attack cases against women dropped sharply by 73.3%, non-dowry cruelty cases fell by 1.6% and murder cases declined by 7.4%. Crimes against women remained largely stable.
Detailed statistics of crimes against women for 2025 showed that the state recorded 2,994 rape cases and 115 attempts to rape, 7,378 cases of women abduction, 440 cases of women trafficking, 7,382 cases of outraging modesty, 1,183 cases of sexual assault, 1,448 incidents of harassment in public places, 485 stalking cases, one attempt of acid attack, 111 additional trafficking-related cases, 757 cases of obscene gestures, 145 dowry-related burn cases, 77 dowry-related suicides, 4,361 cases of dowry harassment and 5,419 cases of domestic violence.
Data shared in the House showed that the state recorded a total of 1,304 murder cases in 2025. During the year, 73,148 cases were registered under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the new criminal law framework, of which 27,713 cases were disposed of, indicating progress in case resolution.
The Chief Minister said several steps have been taken to prevent crimes against women, including rapes, in the state. Bhubaneswar-based Crime Against Women & Children Wing has been monitoring the investigation of important and sensitive cases of crimes against women, classifying those as ‘red-flag’ cases. The wing appoints an investigating officer for regular monitoring of the sensitive cases and developments in the court of law, he stated.
The investigation officers have been asked to expedite the probes in such cases, he said.
Investigative Units on Crimes Against Women are functioning in different districts. These units take up investigation of important and sensitive cases. Integrated Anti-Human Trafficking Units are operational in all 36 police districts and another unit at CAW&CW. These units take up investigation of missing women and children cases, he said, adding that Mahila and Sishu Desks are functional to prevent crimes against women and children.
