State records 5.6% rise in crimes against women in 2025 compared to 2024: CM

Bhubaneswar: Odisha recorded a 5.6% rise in crimes against women in 2025 compared to 2024, chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi informed the assembly in a written reply to Congress MLA Sofia Firdous on Monday.

The number of registered cases went up from 30,958 in 2024 to 32,687 in 2025, data showed.Majhi’s reply indicated that while serious offences such as rape, attempted rape, public disrobing, acid attacks, dowry-related homicide, suicide and torture showed a decline, incidents of molestation, sexual harassment, voyeurism, stalking, trafficking, eve-teasing and abduction increased during the period.The chief minister reiterated his govt’s commitment to women’s safety, highlighting measures like the crime against women and children wing (CAW&CW), which monitors sensitive cases from investigation to trial and provides guidance to investigating officers.

“Regular monitoring of ‘red-flag’ cases helped fast-track trials, with 199 cases completed in 2025. Of these, 94 ended in conviction, reflecting a 47.25% conviction rate. To strengthen surveillance, CCTV cameras have been installed at vulnerable points across districts,” Majhi said.The chief minister added that under the Subhadra Surakhya Yojana, proposals are under consideration for initiatives such as a women’s safety app integrated with emergency response support system (ERSS-112), gender sensitization training, child friendly police stations, public awareness campaigns, procurement of 1,000 body cameras and installation of more CCTV cameras in crime-prone areas.

Steps are being taken by the district police to improve patrolling in vulnerable public places to prevent sexual harassment of women.“Police are also collaborating with NGOs to support victims and prevent crimes, while cyber police stations monitor online abuse cases. Community policing programmes like Ama Police Samiti encourage women to report issues without fear. Awareness drives in schools and colleges are being organized to promote safety and self-defence among women and children,” the chief minister said.Majhi stated that 23 exclusive Pocso courts, seven designated Pocso courts and 46 women’s courts are functioning in the state for trial of offences against women and children.