Odisha Records Highest Violent Crime Rate in India in 2024

Key Facts

• Odisha topped India in violent crime rate in 2024 with 161.6 victims per lakh population as per NCRB Crime in India-2024 report.
• Odisha recorded 75,403 violent crime cases in 2024, placing it fourth in absolute numbers nationally after Bihar, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh.
• Bihar ranked second in violent crime rate at 83 victims per lakh, despite some other states having higher absolute counts for certain offences.
• Odisha ranked second nationally in crimes against women in 2024, with a rate of 118.3 crimes per lakh women; Telangana topped with 128.6 per lakh women.
• The state reported 33,021 cases of crimes against women in 2024.
• Rape cases in Odisha slightly declined from 3,054 in 2024 to 2,994 in 2025.
• Over 6,000 children went missing in Odisha in 2024, with 87% of them being girls.
• Overall cognisable crimes in Odisha increased to 229,881 in 2025 from 214,113 in 2024.
• Crimes against children were reported at 8,577 cases in 2023, with kidnappings accounting for around 41% of those.

Background & Context

The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) is the central government agency responsible for compiling and releasing annual comprehensive crime statistics in India. Crime rates are measured per lakh population to enable fair comparison across states, accounting for their population sizes.

Odisha’s marked rise in violent crime rate and rate of offences against women in 2024 is notable as it surpassed larger states in per capita violent crimes, reflecting pressing law and order challenges.

Child safety remains a critical concern in Odisha, with high numbers of missing children (majority girls) and crimes against children reported. These underline the need for targeted interventions at social and administrative levels.

Why This Matters for Exams / Exam Relevance

State-wise crime statistics including Odisha’s violent crime rate and offences against women figures are significant for UPSC, State PSC, and other competitive exams in India. Questions often assess current affairs knowledge relating to internal security, women's safety, social justice, and governance challenges.

Remembering specific state rankings, crime rates per lakh population, and trends from NCRB reports helps candidates answer factual questions with authority.

Points to Remember

• Odisha’s violent crime rate in 2024: 161.6 victims per lakh population (ranked 1st in India).
• Absolute violent crime cases in Odisha 2024: 75,403 (4th highest nationally).
• Crimes against women rate in Odisha 2024: 118.3 per lakh women (2nd highest nationally after Telangana).
• Recorded crimes against women cases in Odisha 2024: 33,021.
• Rape cases declined marginally from 3,054 in 2024 to 2,994 in 2025.
• More than 6,000 children missing in Odisha in 2024; 87% were girls.
• Overall cognisable crimes rose from 214,113 in 2024 to 229,881 in 2025.
• Crimes against children in 2023: 8,577 cases; kidnappings accounted for around 41% of these.

Source: National Crime Records Bureau, Crime in India Reports 2024 and 2025; https://www.gktoday.in/odisha-records-highest-violent-crime-rate/