TNI Bureau: The Odisha government’s White Paper presented in the Assembly has revealed a worrying rise in crime across the state in 2025, raising fresh concerns over law and order despite a decline in Maoist activities.
As per the report, cognizable offences increased by 7.36%, with total cases reaching 2,29,881, indicating a steady surge in overall crime. Serious offences have also seen an uptick, with 1,304 murder cases reported—an increase of 3.65%, averaging nearly four murders a day.
Property-related crimes have risen sharply, with theft cases increasing by 19% to over 21,000 incidents. Law and order challenges are further reflected in 1,095 rioting cases, pointing to growing instances of public unrest.
The White Paper also highlights the rapid rise in cybercrime, which grew by over 12% to 2,803 cases, signaling a shift towards technology-driven offences. Meanwhile, road accident cases climbed to 12,782, adding to the overall enforcement burden.
Crimes against women remain a major concern. Although rape cases marginally declined to 2,994, the overall category saw a 5.6% increase. The state also recorded 164 human trafficking cases and 145 dowry deaths, underscoring persistent social challenges.
Additionally, 122 communal incidents were reported during the year, indicating emerging social tensions.
While the decline in Maoist activities is a positive development, the broader data suggests that crime in Odisha is evolving and expanding. The findings serve as a wake-up call for authorities to strengthen policing, improve preventive measures, and adopt a more proactive approach to ensure public safety.
