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org © 2024 IJCRT | Volume 12, Issue 6 June 2024 | ISSN: 2320-2882

Crime Trends And Patterns In India: An Analysis

Of The National Crime Records Bureau's Report
2022
Dr. Vipan Kumar
Teaching Cum Research Assistant (TCRA)
Police Administration
Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU)
An Institute of National Importance
Pasighat Campus, Arunachal Pradesh

Abstract:

This study provides a comprehensive overview of crime trends and patterns in India, based on data from the
National Crime Records Bureau's (NCRB) annual report, Crime in India 2022. The analysis highlights
significant variations across different crime categories, including a notable decrease in crimes like
'Disobedience to Order' and 'Other IPC Crimes' while other areas, such as crimes against women and children,
have seen an uptick. The paper explores the socio-economic and demographic factors influencing these trends,
providing insights into regional variations and the effectiveness of law enforcement policies. This data-driven
approach offers valuable implications for policymakers, law enforcement agencies, and researchers seeking
to understand and mitigate crime in India.

INTRODUCTION

Crime arises from various complex factors. People commit crimes due to social influences that fail to instill
a strong sense of right and wrong. Growing desires also drive people to commit crimes to satisfy them. The
root of crime can be traced to the interaction of social, economic, demographic, local, and institutional factors.
Blaming the police alone for crime shows a misunderstanding of criminal behaviour theories. These social
factors, along with other hidden and related factors, vary greatly across different regions, states, and societies.
Differences in procedures and methods between organizations across large areas also cause wide variations.

All crimes are counted equally when tallying the total crime for a state or city. Therefore, more registered
crimes in a city does not necessarily mean it is less safe than a city with fewer crimes. Since crime increases
with population, the crime rate per 100,000 people is a better indicator of crime trends. However, it’s
important to note that an increase in police data does not always mean more crime or ineffective policing.
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"Rise in crime" and "increase in crime registration" are different. Effective policing does not always result in
lower crime figures. The increase in crime numbers may be due to citizen-friendly policies like e-FIR facilities
or women’s help desks. Changes in crime numbers should be professionally investigated to address the
underlying issues in local communities.

Overall Crime in India in 2022

India reported a total of 58,24,946 cognisable crimes, which include 35,61,379 Indian Penal Code (IPC)
crimes and 22,63,567 Special & Local Laws (SLL) crimes. This marks a decrease of 2,71,364 cases (4.5%)
compared to 2021 when 60,96,310 cases were registered. The crime rate per lakh population also declined
from 445.9 in 2021 to 422.2 in 2022.

Within IPC crimes, there was a decrease of 2.8% from 2021, with IPC crimes constituting 61.1% of the total
cognisable crimes. SLL crimes saw a more pronounced decrease of 7.0%, comprising 38.9% of the total cases.
Notably, there was a significant decline in cases under Disobedience to Order (Sec. 188 IPC) and Other IPC
Crimes, as well as under Other State Local Acts within the SLL category.

During 2022, a total of 56,59,787 IPC cases were under investigation, including those pending from the
previous year, newly reported cases, and reopened cases. Of these, police disposed of 36,60,786 cases, with
26,11,526 cases resulting in charge sheets, reflecting a charge sheeting rate of 71.3%. These findings
underscore the trends in crime registration and investigation in India for the year 2022, highlighting both
overall declines in crime rates and specific shifts in the types and handling of reported offences.

Offences Affecting the Human Body

India recorded a total of 11,58,815 cases related to offences affecting the human body, constituting 32.5% of
all IPC crimes reported. The majority of these cases involved hurt, totalling 6,27,676 cases (54.2%), followed
by causing death by negligence with 1,59,096 cases (13.7%), and Kidnapping & Abduction with 1,07,588
cases (9.3%). Compared to 2021, there was a 5.3% increase in cases of offences against the human body,
rising from 11,00,425 cases. This increase also resulted in a slight rise in the crime rate per lakh population,
from 80.5 in 2021 to 84.0 in 2022. These statistics highlight the prevalence and distribution of offences
affecting the human body in India during 2022, underscoring the need for continued attention and effective
strategies to address such crimes.

Murder In 2022, India recorded a total of 28,522 cases of murder, marking a slight decrease of 2.6% from
the previous year's figure of 29,272 cases. The primary motives behind these murders were disputes,
accounting for 9,962 cases, followed by personal vendetta or enmity with 3,761 cases, and gain with 1,884
cases. These findings highlight the patterns and motivations behind murders in India during 2022, indicating
the prevalence of disputes as a significant factor leading to such crimes.

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Kidnapping & Abduction In 2022, India reported a total of 1,07,588 cases of kidnapping & abduction,
representing a 5.8% increase from the previous year's count of 1,01,707 cases. Among the victims, there were
1,10,140 reported cases of kidnapping or abduction, consisting of 21,278 males, 88,861 females, and 1
transgender individual. Of these, 76,069 were children (13,970 males and 62,099 females) and 34,071 were
adults (7,308 males, 26,762 females, and 1 transgender individual). During the same period, authorities
recovered 1,17,083 individuals who had been kidnapped or abducted, comprising 21,199 males, 95,883
females, and 1 transgender individual. Out of these recoveries, 1,16,109 persons were found alive, while 974
persons were discovered deceased. These figures underscore the prevalence of kidnapping and abduction
incidents in India during 2022, highlighting the need for robust measures to prevent such crimes and ensure
the safety and recovery of victims.

Offences against Public Tranquillity In 2022, India registered a total of 57,082 cases related to offences
against public tranquillity under various sections of the IPC. Among these cases, rioting was the most
prevalent offence, accounting for 37,816 cases, which makes up 66.2% of all such cases. Compared to the
previous year, there was a notable decline of 10.0% in offences against public tranquillity, dropping from
63,391 cases in 2021. These statistics underscore the trends and prevalence of disturbances to public peace
and order in India during 2022, emphasizing the significance of addressing factors contributing to such
offences.

Crime against Women In 2022, India reported a total of 4,45,256 cases of crime against women, marking a
4.0% increase from the previous year's count of 4,28,278 cases. The majority of these cases under IPC were
categorized as 'Cruelty by Husband or His Relatives' (31.4%), followed by 'Kidnapping & Abduction of
Women' (19.2%), 'Assault on Women with Intent to Outrage her Modesty' (18.7%), and 'Rape' (7.1%). The
crime rate per lakh women population was 66.4 in 2022, up from 64.5 in 2021. These figures highlight the
persistence and varied nature of crimes against women in India during 2022, indicating the need for continued
efforts to address and prevent such offences.

Crime against Children In 2022, India registered a total of 1,62,449 cases of crime against children,
reflecting an increase of 8.7% from the previous year's figure of 1,49,404 cases. The major categories of crime
against children in 2021 were Kidnapping & Abduction (45.7%) and offences under the Protection of Children
from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (39.7%), which includes child rape. The crime rate per lakh children
population was 36.6 in 2022, up from 33.6 in 2021. These statistics underscore the concerning rise in crimes
against children in India during 2022, emphasizing the critical need for targeted measures and interventions
to safeguard children from exploitation and harm.

Juveniles in Conflict with Law In 2022, India registered a total of 30,555 cases involving juveniles, showing
a slight decline of 2.0% from 31,170 cases in 2021. The crime rate among juveniles decreased from 7.0 in
2021 to 6.9 in 2022. Out of these cases, 37,780 juveniles were apprehended, with 33,261 apprehended under
IPC cases and 4,519 under SLL cases in 2022. The majority of juveniles apprehended for IPC and SLL crimes
belonged to the age group of 16 to 18 years, accounting for 78.6% (29,690 out of 37,780) in 2022. These
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findings highlight trends in juvenile crime rates and apprehensions in India, indicating both a decrease in
overall cases and the predominant age group involved in juvenile offences.

Crime against Senior Citizens In 2022, India registered a total of 28,545 cases of crimes against senior
citizens (aged above 60 years), marking a 9.3% increase from 26,110 cases in 2021. The distribution of cases
by crime type shows that the highest number of cases (7,805, 27.3%) involved Simple Hurt, followed by Theft
(3,944, 13.8%), and FCF (Forgery, Cheating & Fraud) (3,201, 11.2%) during 2022. These figures highlight
the concerning rise in crimes targeting senior citizens in India during 2022, emphasizing the need for enhanced
protection and support measures for this vulnerable demographic.

Crime/Atrocities against Scheduled Castes (SCs) During 2022, India registered a total of 57,582 cases of
crimes against Scheduled Castes (SCs), marking a significant increase of 13.1% from 50,900 cases in 2021.
The crime rate per lakh population also rose from 25.3 in 2021 to 28.6 in 2022. The distribution of cases by
crime type reveals that the highest number of cases (18,428, 32.0%) involved Simple Hurt, followed by
Criminal Intimidation with 9.2% (5,274 cases), and cases under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act with
8.2% (4,703 cases). These statistics underscore the rise in crimes against Scheduled Castes in India during
2022, highlighting the need for strengthened measures to protect and support vulnerable communities.

Crime/Atrocities against Scheduled Tribes (STs) In 2022, India registered a total of 10,064 cases of crimes
against Scheduled Tribes (STs), showing a notable increase of 14.3% from 8,802 cases in 2021. The crime
rate per lakh population also rose from 8.4 in 2021 to 9.6 in 2022. The distribution of cases by crime type
indicates that the highest number of cases (2,826 cases, 28.1%) involved Simple Hurt, followed by Rape with
13.4% (1,347 cases), and Assault on Women with Intent to Outrage her Modesty with 10.2% (1,022 cases).
These findings highlight the concerning rise in crimes against Scheduled Tribes in India during 2022,
underscoring the need for targeted interventions and support mechanisms to protect the rights and safety of
tribal communities.

Economic Offences In 2022, India registered a total of 1,93,385 cases of economic offences, marking an
increase of 11.1% from 1,74,013 cases in 2021. Among the specified categories of economic offences—
criminal breach of trust, forgery, cheating & fraud (FCF), and counterfeiting—FCF accounted for the highest
number of cases, with 1,70,901 cases. This was followed by criminal breach of trust with 21,814 cases and
counterfeiting with 670 cases during 2022. These figures highlight the rise in economic crimes in India during
2022, underscoring the need for enhanced vigilance and enforcement measures to combat fraud and protect
economic interests.

Prevention of Corruption Act In 2022, State Anti-Corruption Bureaux (ACBs) in India registered a total of
4,139 cases, reflecting a 10.5% increase from 3,745 cases in 2021. Among these cases, the majority (69.7%)
were Trap Cases, totalling 2,883 cases, followed by 13.2% of cases related to Criminal Misconduct,
accounting for 547 cases.

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During the year, authorities arrested a total of 4,993 individuals implicated in these cases. Additionally, 852
individuals were convicted, and departmental action was initiated against 445 persons. These findings
underscore the efforts and outcomes of State ACBs in combating corruption in India during 2022, emphasizing
the role of trap cases and criminal misconduct in addressing systemic corruption challenges.

Cyber Crimes In 2022, India registered a total of 65,893 cases of cyber crimes, indicating a notable increase
of 24.4% from 52,974 cases in 2021. The crime rate in this category rose from 3.9 in 2021 to 4.8 in 2022.
Among the registered cases, the majority (64.8%) were attributed to fraud, totaling 42,710 cases. This was
followed by cases related to extortion at 5.5% (3,648 cases) and sexual exploitation at 5.2% (3,434 cases).
These statistics highlight the growing prevalence and diverse nature of cyber-crimes in India during 2022,
underscoring the need for robust cybersecurity measures and public awareness to mitigate such risks
effectively.

Offences against State In 2022, a total of 5,610 cases were registered, marking an 8.6% increase from the
5,164 cases registered in 2021.Out of these cases:

 78.5% (4,403 cases) were registered under The Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act.
 17.9% (1,005 cases) were registered under The Unlawful Activities Prevention Act.

These figures highlight the distribution of cases across these two significant legislative acts in India during
2022, underscoring their impact on legal proceedings and enforcement efforts.

Environment-Related Offences In 2022, India registered a total of 52,920 cases under Environment-Related
Offences, marking a decrease of 17.9% from 64,471 cases in 2021.

Among these cases:

 The highest number of cases (80.6%, 42,642 cases) were registered under The Cigarette and Other
Tobacco Products Act (COTPA).
 Noise Pollution Acts (State/Central) accounted for 13.9% (7,378 cases) of the total cases.

These statistics highlight the predominant types of environmental offences reported in India during 2022,
emphasizing the enforcement and regulatory efforts aimed at protecting public health and the
environment.

Crime against Foreigners and Crime by Foreigners

 In 2022, a total of 2,100 cases were registered against foreigners, showing a decline of 18.8%
from 2,585 cases in 2021.
 The distribution of cases by crime type revealed that 48.7% of the cases (1,022 cases) were
registered under the Foreigners Act & Registration of Foreigners Act, followed by 19.5% (410
cases) under the NDPS Act.
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These findings highlight the trends and patterns in crimes involving foreigners in India, emphasizing the
importance of security measures and legal frameworks to protect foreign nationals and residents.

Human Trafficking In 2022, India registered a total of 2,250 cases of Human Trafficking, showing a slight
increase of 2.8% from 2,189 cases in 2021.

Victims of Human Trafficking:

 A total of 6,036 individuals were reported to have been trafficked, comprising 2,878 children
and 3,158 adults.

Rescue and Arrest Statistics:

 Throughout the year, 6,693 victims were rescued from traffickers.

 Law enforcement agencies arrested 5,864 individuals for their involvement in trafficking
activities.

These figures highlight the persistent challenge of human trafficking in India, underscoring the need for
strengthened efforts in prevention, rescue operations, and prosecution to combat this heinous crime
effectively.

Missing Persons In 2022, India reported a total of 4,42,572 missing persons, marking a 13.5% increase from
3,89,844 persons reported missing in 2021.

Gender Breakdown of Missing Persons:

 Of the total, 1,49,008 were male, 2,93,500 were female, and 64 were transgender individuals.

Recovery/Tracing of Missing Persons:

 During the year, 4,01,077 persons were recovered or traced.

 This included 1,34,765 males, 2,66,250 females, and 62 transgender individuals.

These statistics underscore the scale of the missing persons issue in India, highlighting efforts in recovery and
tracing individuals, while emphasizing the need for enhanced strategies and resources to address and mitigate
instances of disappearance effectively.

Missing Children In 2022, India reported a total of 83,350 missing children, reflecting a 7.5% increase from
77,535 children reported missing in 2021.

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Gender Breakdown of Missing Children:

 Of the total, 20,380 were male, 62,946 were female, and 24 were transgender individuals.

Recovery/Tracing of Missing Children:

 During the year, 80,561 children were recovered or traced.

 This included 20,254 males, 60,281 females, and 26 transgender individuals.

These figures highlight the ongoing challenge of missing children in India, underscoring efforts in recovery
and tracing initiatives while emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and improved mechanisms to
safeguard children and reunite them with their families promptly.

Offences against Property In 2022, India witnessed an increase of 10.1% in cases registered under offences
against property, rising from 7,62,368 cases in 2021 to 8,39,252 cases.

Types of Offences:

 The majority of cases (77.8%) were related to Theft, totaling 6,52,731 cases.
 Burglaries accounted for 12.8% of cases, with 1,07,222 incidents reported.

Value of Stolen and Recovered Properties:

 Properties worth Rs. 5,223.3 Crores were stolen during the year.
 Authorities managed to recover properties worth Rs. 1,882.5 Crores, amounting to a 36.0%
recovery rate.

Location of Incidents:

 A significant portion (2,79,185 cases) of property crimes occurred at residential premises.

 The highest number of robberies occurred on roadways, including highways and roads, with
16,014 cases reported.

These statistics highlight the prevalence and impact of property crimes in India during 2022, underscoring the
challenges in prevention, investigation, and recovery efforts aimed at safeguarding property and ensuring
public safety.

Offences Relating to Documents & Property Marks In 2022, India registered 1,71,571 cases under offences
against documents & property marks, marking an increase from 1,52,772 cases in 2021.

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Types of Offences:

 The overwhelming majority (99.6%) of these cases, totaling 1,70,901 cases, were related to
FCF (forgery, cheating & fraud).

These findings underscore the prevalence of fraudulent activities involving documents and property marks,
highlighting the need for stringent measures to combat such crimes effectively, safeguarding legal and
financial integrity in society.

Seizures under the Arms Act In 2022, India registered 80,118 cases under the Arms Act, compared to 74,482
cases in 2021. Here are the details:

Arms Seized:

 A total of 1,04,390 arms were seized in 2022:

 3,609 arms were licensed or factory-made.
 1,00,781 arms were unlicensed, improvised, crude, or country-made.

Ammunition Seized:

 Additionally, 1,10,928 units of ammunition were seized during 2022.

These figures highlight the enforcement efforts under the Arms Act, focusing on the seizure and control of
both licensed and unlicensed arms and ammunition to enhance public safety and combat illegal firearms
trafficking.

Seizure of Explosives In 2022, India witnessed significant seizures of explosives compared to 2021:

Explosives Seized:

 A total of 88,987 kilograms of explosives (including RDX, TNT, Plastic Explosives, gunpowder,
Pyrotechnic/Fireworks, etc.) were seized.
 From Extremists/Insurgents/Terrorists: 510 kilograms.
 From Other Criminals including smugglers: 88,477 kilograms.

Explosive Devices Recovered:

 Additionally, 2,79,986 explosive devices (including detonators, gelatin sticks, grenades, landmines,
IEDs, etc.) were recovered during 2022, compared to 8,78,293 devices in 2021.

These statistics underscore the efforts to curb illegal possession and use of explosives, addressing security
threats posed by extremists, insurgents, terrorists, and other criminal elements.

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Seizure of Fake Indian Currency In 2022, authorities seized a total of 42,10,406 counterfeit Indian currency
notes, amounting to ₹3,82,66,68,710.

This significant seizure reflects ongoing efforts to combat counterfeit currency circulation, safeguarding
financial integrity and stability in India.

Disposal of IPC Cases by Police & Court

S. Crime Head under Total Cases for Cases Chargesheeting Total Cases Total Cases Conviction
No. IPC Investigation ChargeSheeted Rate for Trial Convicted Rate
1 Murder 49,220 25,658 81.5 2,63,960 6,904 43.8
2 Rape 44,785 26,508 77.9 1,98,285 5,067 27.4
3 Kidnapping & 1,81,240 41,656 36.4 3 3,24,480 5,167 33.9
Abduction
4 Hurt (including 8,58,817 5,70,027 89.9 36,51,991 79,644 35.9
acid attack)
5 Rioting 67,739 34,963 86.6 5,63,696 5,939 24.9

Disposal of SLL Cases by Police & Court

S. Crime Head Total Cases Cases Chargesheeting Total Cases Total Cases Conviction
No. under SLL for Charge Rate for Trial Convicted Rate
Investigation Sheeted
1 The Excise Act 4,04,555 3,65,264 99.2 13,14,502 2,02,311 85.3

2 Narcotics Drugs 1,58,267 1,05,547 98.3 4,04,461 35,879 82.2

& Psychotropic
Substances Act,
1985
3 The Arms Act 96,432 79,743 98.5 5,42,535 20,408 65.5

Arrests, Convictions & Acquittals In 2022, a total of 53,90,233 persons were arrested under IPC and SLL
cases combined, with the following details:

IPC Cases:

 Arrests: 32,28,322 persons were arrested under 35,61,379 cases of IPC crimes.
 Legal Outcomes:
 Charge-sheeted: 43,67,588 persons.
 Convicted: 10,55,181 persons.
 Acquitted: 9,81,194 persons.
 Discharged: 1,52,787 persons.

 SLL Cases:

 Arrests: 21,61,911 persons were arrested under 22,63,567 cases of SLL crimes.
 Legal Outcomes:
 Charge-sheeted: 27,04,985 persons.
 Convicted: 14,16,858 persons.
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 Acquitted: 3,69,789 persons.
 Discharged: 57,187 persons.

These figures illustrate the enforcement actions and legal outcomes related to both IPC and SLL crimes in
India during 2022, reflecting the judicial process and outcomes concerning arrests, charges, convictions,
acquittals, and discharges.

Conclusion: The NCRB's Crime in India 2022 report provides a comprehensive overview of crime trends
nationwide, highlighting both positive developments and areas needing urgent attention. The overall decline
in cognizable crimes is a positive trend, yet the rise in crimes against women, children, and other vulnerable
groups demands targeted interventions. The data underscores the impact of policy initiatives on crime
registration and investigation while revealing ongoing challenges in adapting to evolving criminal activities.
A holistic approach that includes community engagement, socio-economic development, and strengthened
law enforcement capabilities is essential to address the root causes of crime and ensure enhanced public safety.
Moving forward, longitudinal studies will be crucial to assess the lasting impacts of current policies and to
develop innovative strategies for crime prevention and control. By prioritizing these efforts, India can work
towards creating a safer environment for all its citizens.

Reference

1. https://ncrb.gov.in/crime-in-india-year-wise.html?year=2022&keyword (20-06-2024)
2. National Crime Records Bureau, Crime in India 2022, Statistics Volume I (Ministry of Home
Affairs) Government of India

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