Nagpur Reports Significant 35% Decline in Crimes Against Women Over Recent Years
Nagpur has witnessed a substantial and sustained reduction in crimes targeting women, with official data revealing a sharp 35% decrease over the past few years. According to statistics released by the Nagpur Police Commissionerate, the annual average number of cases has fallen dramatically from approximately 2,400 incidents recorded between 2020 and 2022 to around 1,530 per year during the 2023–2025 period.
Detailed Breakdown of Crime Reduction Across Categories
The year 2025 marked a particularly low point, with the city reporting its smallest tally at just 1,434 cases. A closer examination of the data shows declines across all major categories of crimes against women:
- Rape cases decreased to 197 from 297 the previous year
- Molestation incidents dropped to 482 from 499
- Kidnapping cases fell to 529 from 535
- Section 498(A) IPC cases (cruelty by husband or relatives) reduced to 226 from 294
Proactive Policing Strategies Driving the Decline
Police Commissioner Ravinder Singal has attributed this consistent downward trend to aggressive policing and targeted preventive measures implemented across the city. During 2024–2025, authorities identified 330 vulnerable locations and collaborated closely with civic agencies to enhance street lighting and install comprehensive CCTV camera networks.
Additional innovative measures included:
- Installation of QR codes at 1,823 strategic locations to ensure regular Beat Marshal visits and accountability
- Frequent combing operations and special drives to prevent gatherings of potential offenders
- Creation of a dedicated list of repeat offenders in rape and molestation cases, followed by strict preventive action and mandatory counseling sessions
The all-women "Damini Pathak" patrolling unit received significant strengthening with the addition of six four-wheel vehicles and 24 police personnel, ensuring round-the-clock presence in vulnerable areas. Under the comprehensive ‘Operation Shakti' initiative and related directives, police maintained a zero-tolerance policy toward crimes against women and minors, with complaints monitored at multiple administrative levels—from individual police stations to the Joint Commissioner and Commissioner offices.
Expedited Investigations and New Focus on Convictions
Police investigations have accelerated remarkably, with chargesheets being filed within exceptionally short timeframes. In numerous molestation cases, formal charges were submitted within just four hours, while many other cases saw completion within 10–12 hours. "Our focus has now shifted decisively toward securing convictions," emphasized Commissioner Singal, highlighting the department's evolving priorities.
Alarming Drop in Conviction Rates Despite Progress
However, a troubling paradox has emerged alongside these enforcement successes. Despite improved reporting mechanisms and swifter investigations, conviction rates have experienced a sharp and concerning decline. In 2025, the conviction rate in rape cases stood at a mere 9%—representing just 11 convictions out of 117 cases—a significant drop from 24% recorded in both 2022 and 2024.
Molestation cases showed similarly low outcomes, with a conviction rate of 15% (14 convictions from 96 cases). Overall, convictions across both categories reached only 12% in 2025, with 188 acquittals occurring in 213 decided cases.
Root Causes and Corrective Measures
A senior police official identified a key factor behind these dismal conviction rates: the growing tendency of complainants and witnesses to turn hostile after reaching out-of-court settlements with the accused. This pattern substantially weakens prosecution cases and frequently results in acquittals, undermining the justice process.
To address this critical challenge, police leadership has implemented several corrective measures:
- Each Zonal Deputy Commissioner of Police has been directed to personally "adopt" 10 rape and molestation cases for intensive court monitoring and follow-up
- Prioritization of fast-track courts, expedited investigations, and continuous supervision to improve conviction outcomes
- Establishment of an ambitious target to achieve near-100% success in cases under direct supervisory oversight
The Path Forward: Bridging Prevention and Punishment
While the significant reduction in crime statistics, rapid chargesheet filing, and proactive safety measures reflect stronger on-ground enforcement, the steep decline in convictions—particularly the alarming 9% rate in rape cases—underscores an urgent need to bridge the substantial gap between crime prevention and judicial punishment. Police leadership has expressed firm commitment to closing this justice gap and ensuring lasting, meaningful justice for victims through sustained institutional reforms and enhanced legal coordination.
