The Vizianagaram district in Andhra Pradesh has presented a mixed picture of law and order for the year 2025. While the overall number of criminal cases registered a significant decline, certain serious offences, including murders and crimes against women, showed a worrying upward trend, according to official police data.
Overall Crime Declines, But Serious Offences Spike
The total number of criminal cases in Vizianagaram district fell sharply from 7,352 cases in 2024 to 4,880 in 2025, marking a substantial reduction of nearly 34 percent. This overall decline points to improved policing and preventive measures in several areas. However, this positive trend was overshadowed by significant increases in specific violent and social crimes.
Most alarmingly, the category of bodily offences witnessed a sharp increase of 200 percent. The number of murders jumped to 18 in 2025 from just 6 in 2024. Cases of murder for gain also doubled, rising to four in 2025 from two the previous year. Police detected three cases of murder for gain, one dacoity case, and one robbery case during the year.
Rise in Crimes Against Women and NDPS Cases
Contrary to the overall downward trend, crimes targeting women increased by 14 percent, from 367 cases in 2024 to 420 in 2025. Vizianagaram Police Chief AR Damodhar acknowledged this slight rise, noting it was particularly seen in domestic violence offences.
A detailed breakdown reveals concerning figures: incidents of abetment of suicide increased to seven in 2025 from three in 2024. Dowry harassment cases rose to 267 from 241, and cases categorised as outrage of modesty increased to 124 from 92. However, reported rape cases saw a marginal dip, with 36 cases in 2025 compared to 37 in 2024.
Beyond crimes against women, other categories also saw an uptick. Cases under the NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) Act increased by five percent. Furthermore, cases of criminal breach of trust rose by 12 percent in 2025.
Improved Convictions and Road Safety
On a positive note, the conviction rate in serious cases like murder and rape showed improvement in the district during 2025. The police secured strong sentences in several cases, demonstrating effective prosecution.
- Five persons were sentenced to life imprisonment.
- Two individuals received sentences of 25 years or above.
- Eleven convicts were sentenced to 20 years or above.
- Six persons were given prison terms of 10 years or above.
In terms of road safety, Vizianagaram district witnessed a marginal decrease in accidents. The year 2025 saw 607 road crashes, which included 187 fatal accidents. This is lower than the 633 road accidents (with 207 fatal crashes) recorded in 2024.
The data for 2025 paints a complex picture for Vizianagaram. While the overall crime decline is commendable, the police force faces clear challenges in curbing violent crimes, protecting women, and tackling narcotics. The improved conviction rates, however, offer a ray of hope for the justice delivery system in the district.
