Bhubaneswar sees spike in crime cases, Cuttack registers decline in 2024: police report

Crime cases in Odisha’s capital city, Bhubaneswar, witnessed an upward trend in 2024, while neighbouring Cuttack experienced a decline compared to the previous year, according to police commissioner Suresh Dev Datta Singh.

Addressing the media, Singh revealed that a total of 21,613 cases were reported across the twin cities in 2024, marking an increase from 19,410 cases in 2023. Bhubaneswar accounted for 14,392 cases in 2024, up from 11,975 the previous year.

The rise in crime numbers in Bhubaneswar is attributed to the implementation of free registration policies, which encouraged victims to report incidents without hesitation, alongside an increase in miscellaneous and petty crimes.

Categories such as murder and swindling showed significant increases in Bhubaneswar, with rates climbing by 26.92 per cent and 30.75 per cent, respectively. However, other crimes, including dacoity, robbery, burglary, theft, and rioting, demonstrated a notable decline in the city.

While Bhubaneswar faced a surge in certain crime categories, Cuttack saw an improvement in its crime statistics, reflecting efforts to bolster law enforcement and public safety in the region.

The Commissioner emphasised that the increased case registrations in Bhubaneswar align with proactive policing measures aimed at making the process more accessible for victims and enhancing trust in law enforcement.

(with agency inputs)