Crimes Against Women in Bhubaneswar Rise 139% in 2025, Cuttack Records Decline

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Police data show a 139% rise in crimes against women in Bhubaneswar in 2025 while Cuttack records a decline.

Crimes Against Women in Bhubaneswar Rise 139% in 2025, Cuttack Records Decline

Cases of crimes against women surged by 139% in Bhubaneswar in 2025, while neighbouring Cuttack recorded a slight decline, highlighting contrasting trends within the Bhubaneswar–Cuttack Commissionerate Police jurisdiction.

Published by Diptimayee | March 11, 2026

Crimes against women witnessed a sharp rise in Bhubaneswar in 2025, raising concerns about women’s safety in the state capital. Official police statistics indicate that cases increased by139 percent compared to the previous year.

In contrast, neighbouring Cuttack, which is part of the same Bhubaneswar–Cuttack Commissionerate Police system, reported a decline in such offences during the same period.

Sharp Rise in Bhubaneswar

According to data reported by The Times of India, Bhubaneswar recorded485 cases of crimes against women in 2024, which rose sharply to1,159 cases in 2025.

The offences include:

Rape and attempted rape
Molestation
Sexual harassment
Abduction
Eve-teasing and stalking
Public disrobing
Refusal to marry after sexual relations
Dowry-related crimes

These figures have sparked debate over safety measures and policing in the city.

Decline in Cuttack

Meanwhile, Cuttack saw a slight decrease in cases, with1,222 cases reported in 2024compared to1,102 cases in 2025.

Statewide data show mixed trends. Across Odisha, rape cases decreased slightly from3,054 in 2024 to 2,994 in 2025.

However, Bhubaneswar recorded an increase in rape cases from149 to 170, while Cuttack witnessed a decline from103 to 80 cases.

Debate Over Reasons

Some women activists believe the rise in Bhubaneswar reflects gaps in policing and inadequate deterrence against offenders.

Women’s rights campaigner Sadhana Tripathy said harassment of women in public places remains a major issue. She cited findings from theNational Annual Report & Index on Women’s Safety (NARI) 2025, which highlights persistent safety concerns.

Police officials, however, said the surge in cases may reflectimproved reporting and transparency, rather than a worsening crime situation.

Responding to a query raised by BJD MLA Ranendra Pratap Swain in the Assembly, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi stated that the government is focusing onprompt registration of cases, proper investigation, monitoring of trials, and support for victims.

Government Initiative for Women’s Safety

The state government has also launched theSubhadra Surakhya initiative, allocating₹153 croreto strengthen investigation units for crimes against women across29 districts of Odisha.

The programme aims to enhance policing infrastructure and improve the response system for crimes against women in the state.