Despite a Dip in Crime Rate, Delhi Continues to Be the Most Unsafe For Women Among All Metro Cities

The National Capital has reported the highest number of crimes against women among all metropolitan cities in the country, despite witnessing an overall dip of 16 per cent in 2020 as compared to 2019. According to the data released by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), the number of cases registered under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) saw a significant dip of 18 per cent between 2019 and 2020.

Last year, more than 2.4 lakh cases—or over 650 cases a day—were registered by the Delhi Police, and the rate of crime against women—occurring per 1,00,000 population—was 129.1. As many as 9,782 cases were registered concerning violence against women, as compared to 11,724 cases and 12,902 cases that were registered in the year 2018 and 2019, respectively. Delhi's data in 2020 (10,093 cases+) is more than twice the number of cases registered in Mumbai, Pune, Ghaziabad, Bangalore, and Indore.

In addition, a total of 472 cases of murder were registered, with 'love affair' and property dispute being the most common motives. In 2019, it was 521 cases. However, at the same time, the National Crime Records Bureau data shows that kidnapping cases have plummeted from 5,900 in 2019 to 4,062 in 2020—out of which more than 3,000 cases were of victims aged between 12 and 18.

Plus, as many as 997 rapes, 1,840 assaults with intent to outrage modesty, 110 dowry deaths, and 326 harassment cases were recorded, with over half of the victims aged below 30, and in most cases, with offenders known to the victims. Concerning cybercrimes such as online theft, fraud, and sexual harassment, Delhi saw 168 cases, nearly 50-60 more as compared to the previous years—although, still fewer in comparison to other metros. 

The accumulative data suggests that Delhi remains the most unsafe city for women across all metropolitan cities in the country. And according to the police, as many as 28,688 cases are still pending from last year, which are being reopened for investigation this year.