CRIME IN INDIA
1. Context
India saw a rise of 24 per cent in cyber crimes registered in 2022 compared to 2021, whereas other categories of crime including economic offences (11%), crimes against senior citizens (9%), against women (4%) recorded an increase, as per the latest data released by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).
2. NCRB 2022 Report
The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) released its annual report on crime in India for the year 2022 on December 3, 2023. The data cover overall crimes, and separately note crimes against women, Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), cyber crimes, etc. Here are some takeaways from the latest report:
- In 2022, a total of 58,24,946 cognizable crimes were recorded, consisting of 35,61,379 Indian Penal Code (IPC) crimes and 22,63,567 Special & Local Laws (SLL) crimes. This marked a 4.5% decline in case registrations compared to the preceding pandemic year, 2021.
- The crime rate, measured as crimes registered per lakh population, decreased from 445.9 in 2021 to 422.2 in 2022. This metric is considered more informative, as it accounts for population fluctuations and provides a nuanced perspective on crime trends.
- Crimes against women saw an uptick, with 4,45,256 cases registered in 2022—a 4% increase from the 2021 figures. The majority of crimes against women under IPC sections were categorized as 'Cruelty by Husband or His Relatives' (31.4%), followed by 'Kidnapping & Abduction of Women' (19.2%), and 'Assault on Women with Intent to Outrage her Modesty' (18.7%).
- Cybercrime reporting experienced a notable surge, escalating by 24.4 percentage points compared to 2021, with 65,893 cases documented. The majority of registered cases were related to fraud (64.8%), followed by extortion (5.5%), and sexual exploitation (5.2%).
- Suicides reported in 2022 increased by 4.2% (1,70,924 suicides) compared to 2021. The leading reasons for suicides were 'Family Problems (other than marriage-related problems)' (31.7%), 'Marriage Related Problems' (4.8%), and 'Illness' (18.4%), collectively accounting for 54.9% of total suicides. The male-to-female ratio of suicide victims was 71.8:28.2.
3. How the NCRB Compiles its Reports
- The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) is tasked with compiling and maintaining records of crime data in India. Functioning as a "national warehouse" for fingerprint records of both Indian and foreign criminals, it aids in identifying interstate criminals through fingerprint searches.
- For its primary annual publication, the Crime in India reports, the NCRB collates information from the police forces of 36 states and Union Territories. Additionally, data is collected from 53 cities with populations exceeding 10 lakh each, based on the 2011 Census, through the respective state-level crime records bureaus.
- The process of data compilation begins at the local police station level, where state/Union Territory police input information. Subsequently, the data undergoes validation at the district and state levels before final verification by the NCRB. This meticulous validation process ensures the accuracy and reliability of the crime data reported in the NCRB's flagship annual reports.
- The latest NCRB report highlights state-wise trends, indicating that Kerala (96.0%), Puducherry (91.3%), and West Bengal (90.6%) have the highest charge sheeting rates under IPC crimes.
- This metric represents the percentage of cases where the police progressed to framing charges against the accused, considering both the total true cases (where a charge sheet was not laid but a final report submitted as true) and the total cases charge-sheeted.
- However, it's crucial to note that a high charge sheeting rate does not necessarily imply that these states are more crime-prone than others.
- The NCRB report emphasizes that the data record the incidence of registered crime, not the actual occurrence of crime. This distinction is significant and acknowledges the limitations of the data.
- For example, when reported crimes against women in Delhi increased significantly after the 2012 bus gang rape case, it might reflect heightened awareness about the importance of registering crimes. This increased awareness could be among those affected and within the police force, rather than indicating an actual surge in the incidence of crime against women. Therefore, the interpretation of state-wise data should consider factors such as reporting practices, public awareness, and law enforcement efforts.
4. Limitations of the data
- Indeed, there are additional complexities and limitations associated with the data compiled by the NCRB.
- One significant issue stems from the NCRB's adherence to the 'Principal Offence Rule.' According to this rule, in cases where multiple offences are registered in a single First Information Report (FIR), the crime with the most severe punishment is considered the primary counting unit.
- This means that, for instance, 'Murder with Rape' would be categorized as 'Murder,' potentially leading to an undercounting of specific crimes, such as rape.
- Moreover, the NCRB report relies on data submitted at the local level, introducing potential inefficiencies and gaps that can impact the accuracy of the overall report.
- A case in point, as highlighted by a report involves the recording of farmer suicides. The cause of suicide recorded in the FIR is heavily dependent on the understanding of the situation by the attending police officer, potentially resulting in inaccuracies.
- For example, a farmer's suicide may be attributed to a quarrel over money in the FIR, while the underlying cause might be farm distress due to crop failure, leading to indebtedness and financial difficulties.
- The NCRB itself acknowledges that it does not capture the socio-economic causative factors or reasons behind crimes.
- This limitation is particularly evident in cases where certain groups may be hesitant to register cases due to fear of an uncooperative or hostile response from the police.
- Additionally, a shortage of police officers or unfilled vacancies at the local level may impede the collection of comprehensive and accurate data.
- Therefore, while the NCRB report provides valuable insights, it is essential to approach the data with an awareness of these inherent limitations and nuances.
5. National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB)
- The National Crime Records Bureau was established in 1986 and serves as the central repository of crime and criminal information for India.
- This vital agency, born from the recommendations of the Tandon Committee and the MHA's Taskforce, plays a pivotal role in keeping track of crime and criminals across the nation.
- One of NCRB's most significant responsibilities is managing the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS) project Launched in 2009, this project connects over 15,000 police stations and 6,000 higher police offices, enabling seamless information sharing and coordinated action.
- But NCRB's reach extends beyond just data collection. In 2017, they launched the National Digital Police Portal, empowering citizens to search for criminals and suspects directly within the CCTNS database. This initiative puts the power of information directly in the hands of the people.
- NCRB's commitment to public safety goes further. They maintain the National Database of Sexual Offenders (NDSO), ensuring vital information about these perpetrators is readily available to states and union territories.
- Additionally, they act as the central hub for the Online Cyber-Crime Reporting Portal, managing both technical and operational aspects of this crucial platform.
6. Way Forward
It is imperative to acknowledge the comprehensive insights provided by the NCRB report on crime in India, while also recognizing the inherent limitations and complexities in the data compilation process. To enhance the effectiveness and accuracy of future reports, Refinement of Data Collection Methods, Review and Update Reporting Practices, Enhanced Socio-Economic Analysis, Public Awareness Initiatives, Addressing Vacancies and Resource Gaps, Continuous Improvement of Technology Platforms and Stakeholder Collaboration. By addressing these aspects, India can work towards refining its crime reporting mechanisms, fostering greater accuracy and transparency in the compilation and analysis of crime data. This, in turn, will contribute to more effective policy formulation and law enforcement strategies aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens.
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For Prelims: National Crime Records Beaure, Suicides, Murder, Rape, FIR, cyber crimes, Tandon Committee, MHA's Taskforce, National Database of Sexual Offenders, Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems, Indian Penal Code
For Mains:
1. Analyze the significance of the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) in maintaining a national database of crime and criminals in India. Discuss the limitations of the data collected by the NCRB and suggest ways to improve its accuracy and comprehensiveness. (250 Words)
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Previous Year Questions
1. Which one of the following explains the practice of 'Vattakirutal' as mentioned in Sangam poems? (UPSC 2023)
A. Kings employing women bodyguards
B. Learned persons assembling in royal courts to discuss religious and philosophical matters
C. Young girls keeping watch over agricultural fields and driving away birds and animals
D. A king defeated in a battle committing ritual suicide by starving himself to death
2. With reference to India, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2021)
1. When a prisoner makes out a sufficient case, parole cannot be denied to such prisoner because it becomes a matter of his/her right.
2. State Governments have their own Prisoners Release on Parole Rules.
which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2
3. In India, under cyber insurance for individuals, which of the following benefits are generally covered, in addition to payment for the loss of funds and other benefits? (UPSC CSE 2020)
1. Cost of restoration of the computer system in case of malware disrupting access to one's computer
2. Cost of a new computer if some miscreant wilfully damages it, if proved so
3. Cost of hiring a specialized consultant to minimize the loss in case of cyber extortion
4. Cost of defence in the Court of Law if any third party files a suit
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A. 1, 2 and 4 only B. 1, 3 and 4 only C. 2 and 3 only D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answers: 1-D, 2-B, 3-D
Mains
1. Why suicide among young women is increasing in Indian society? (UPSC 2023)
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Source: The Indian Express
