Delhi leads metro cities in rape cases, juvenile offenses and crimes against children in 2023

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Delhi reported 1,088 rape cases in 2023, the highest among 19 metropolitan cities in India even as the rate, at 14.4%, was below Indore and Jaipur, according to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report released on Monday.

According to the NCRB “Crime in India 2023” report, overall, crimes against women in Delhi dropped by 5.7% compared to 2022. A total of 13,366 cases were reported in 2023, down from 14,158 the year before.

Despite the decline, Delhi recorded the highest cases of cruelty by husbands (4,219) and reported 4,067 cases of kidnapping and abduction of women. At six cases, the national capital also saw the most acid attacks among metro cities. The overall rate of crime against women in Delhi was 176.4 per lakh population in 2023, the rate stood at 52.2%, second only to Patna (71.3%).

Police officials attributed the figures to a “zero-tolerance policy” and prompt registration of FIRs, according to a report by The Indian Express.

Delhi tops the list in juvenile crimes

The NCRB data also shows that Delhi continues to report the highest number of crimes committed by juveniles. In 2023, 2,278 such cases were reported, higher than Chennai (523), Bengaluru (427), and Ahmedabad (417). However, the number has been gradually declining from 2,618 in 2021 to 2,338 in 2022.

Most juveniles were involved in theft (903 cases), voluntarily causing hurt (298 cases), and robbery (210 cases). Of the 3,098 juveniles apprehended, 1,649 were released with a warning, 895 were sent to special homes, 26 were fined, and only one was imprisoned. The conviction rate for juveniles stood high at 94.6%. 2,640 juveniles lived with their parents, while 124 were homeless at the time of committing offences, the data revealed.

Crimes against children still a concern

Delhi also led metropolitan cities in crimes against children. A total of 1,755 cases were registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act in 2023, the highest in the country.

Additionally, 269 cases of child labour victims were reported, again the highest among metros. Experts believe that better reporting mechanisms, more awareness, and stronger enforcement could be contributing to the higher numbers.