Crimes on rise in Odisha; 1.34 lakh cases registered last year

Bhubaneswar: The crime graph in Odisha is rising by the day with 1.34 lakh cases registered in 2020 as against 1.21 lakh in 2019, informed state Home Minister Dibya Shankar Mishra in the state Assembly today.

Replying to a question of Jashipur MLA Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia, the Minister said while 1,21,525 criminal cases were registered in 2019, total 1,34,243 cases were lodged in the state last year.

As per the figures provided by the Minister, Ganjam police district, which came second in terms of criminal cases (6,194) registered in 2019, reported highest 7858 cases last year followed by Bhubaneswar police district (7674) and Angul police district (7,024). Boudh police district recorded lowest 1,131 criminal cases this year as against 1186 cases registered last year. Besides, 4180 criminal cases were registered in Cuttack police district.

Replying to a query raised by Congress MLA Santosh Singh Saluja, the Minister further detailed that 2,950 rape cases were registered in 2019 and the number rose to 2984 in 2020. By June 2021, as many as 1563 rape cases have been registered at various police stations across the state.

In 2019, 1,635 cases related to rape of minor girls were registered, the number increased 1,646 last year. As many as 786 minor girl rape cases have been registered by June this year, he added.

Similarly, 6,848 sexual assault cases were registered in 2019 while the number rose to 7,937 in 2020. Till June this year, total 4,949 cases have come to fore.

Besides, 1,470 murder cases were registered in 2020 as against 1356 in 2019. Till June this year, total 782 murder cases have been lodged across the state. Besides, 311 dowry death cases were registered in 2020 as against 278 in 2019. Till June, 2021, 184 such cases have been filed, the Minister informed.

During Question Hour, ruling party MLA Satya Narayan Pradhan expressed his concern for the deteriorating law and situation in the state. He said there is inadequate number of police stations and outposts, leading to increase in anti-social activities in the state.