A recent report by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) has revealed a deeply concerning trend: India registered a staggering 1,77,335 cases of crimes against children in 2023, marking a significant 9.2% increase compared to the previous year.
This alarming rise translates to a national crime rate of 39.9 incidents per one lakh child population in 2023, up from 36.6 in 2022. These statistics underscore a growing vulnerability among children across the nation.
For context, 2022 saw 1,62,449 cases, following 1,49,404 cases in 2021, indicating a consistent upward trajectory in reported child-related offenses.
The NCRB report explicitly stated, “A total of 1,77,335 cases of crime against children were registered during 2023, showing an increase of 9.2% over 2022 (1,62,449 cases).”
Delving into the nature of these crimes, “Kidnapping and Abduction of Children” emerged as the most prevalent category, accounting for 79,884 cases (45%). Closely behind were offenses registered under the “Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act,” totaling 67,694 cases (38.2%).
Among the victims, 40,846 children were impacted, with age demographics highlighting significant vulnerability: 762 victims were under six years old, 3,229 were aged between six and twelve, 15,444 were between twelve and sixteen, and 21,411 were between sixteen and eighteen years old.
A disturbing majority of victims in rape-related sections were girls.
Alarmingly, in 39,076 out of 40,434 cases, the perpetrators were known to the child victims. This group included family members in 3,224 instances, family friends, neighbors, employers, or other acquaintances in 15,146 cases, and friends, online contacts, or live-in partners (often under the guise of marriage) in 20,706 cases.
Specifically, 40,434 cases involved penetrative sexual assault, as defined by sections 4 and 6 of the POCSO Act (frequently coupled with IPC section 376 for rape), impacting 40,846 victims. Following this were 22,444 cases of aggravated assaults and harassment, categorized under sections 8 and 10 of the POCSO Act alongside IPC section 354.
As previously highlighted, kidnapping and abduction were the most significant contributors to the overall crime figures, with 79,884 cases under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) reported, affecting 82,106 children. This represents a rate of 18 incidents per one lakh population.
Out of these, 58,927 were classified as general abductions, with 37,844 cases specifically categorizing missing children as kidnapped. A troubling detail revealed that 14,637 cases involved the abduction of minor girls for forced marriage.
Beyond these, other notable IPC crimes against children included 1,219 murders (with 1,384 victims), of which 89 were connected to rape or POCSO violations. Additionally, 3,050 cases of simple hurt and 373 cases of abetment to suicide were reported. Special and Local Laws (SLL) also contributed to the overall crime statistics, with 6,038 cases filed under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act and 1,390 under the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act.
Geographically, Madhya Pradesh recorded the highest number of total cases with 22,393 (a rate of 77.9 per lakh child population), followed closely by Maharashtra with 22,390 cases (rate: 62). Uttar Pradesh reported 18,852 cases (rate: 22.1).
Assam experienced a significant increase, reporting 10,174 cases, which translated to the highest crime rate among states at 84.2. Bihar registered 9,906 cases. Union Territories also showed disproportionately high rates, with the Andaman and Nicobar Islands at 143.4 and Delhi at 140.3. Delhi alone accounted for 7,769 cases, highlighting specific regional concerns.
The overall charge sheet rate stood at 64.3%, but this figure concealed significant regional disparities. States like Tamil Nadu (93.7%) and Andhra Pradesh (91.3%) demonstrated high rates, indicating more effective investigative and prosecutorial processes. In stark contrast, Delhi (31.7%) and Haryana (39.6%) reported considerably lower charge sheet rates, suggesting challenges in bringing offenders to justice in these regions.
Regarding police action, 1,12,290 cases were charge-sheeted out of a total of 2,57,756 investigated. At the end of the year, a substantial 80,198 cases remained pending, contributing to an overall pendency rate of 32.2%.