Chandigarh Records Highest Rape Crime Rate in the Country: NCRB Report 2024

May 8, 2026

Chandigarh: Shocking statistics regarding crimes against women and girls have emerged from Chandigarh. According to the 2024 report by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), Chandigarh has recorded the highest crime rate for rape cases across the entire country. Here, 16.6 women and girls per 100,000 population fell victim to rape.

96 Rape Cases Registered in 2024

According to the report, a total of 96 rape cases were registered in Chandigarh in the year 2024. Of these, 73 cases were registered under the IPC, and 23 cases were registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Based on data from the National Commission on Population, the NCRB has estimated Chandigarh’s population to be approximately 1.25 million (12.5 lakhs).

Goa ranked second on this list, recording a rape crime rate of 13.3, while Rajasthan stood third with a crime rate of 12.2. Although the total number of cases is lower compared to other states, Chandigarh’s figures have topped the list when calculated per capita.

Women Aged 18 to 30 Most Frequent Victims

According to the report, the highest number of rape cases in Chandigarh involved women and young women aged between 18 and 30 years. Meanwhile, statistics concerning young girls have also raised serious concerns.

Thirty cases of rape were registered involving girls aged 12 to 16, while 13 cases were reported involving adolescents aged 16 to 18. Additionally, four innocent girls aged between 6 and 12 years also fell victim to rape.

The report also revealed that 14 cases of rape were registered involving women aged between 30 and 45 years. These statistics indicate that crimes against women and girls are on the rise across all age groups, thereby raising questions regarding the effectiveness of the security apparatus.

Crimes Against Women Have Risen Consistently

Crimes against women in Chandigarh have shown a consistent upward trend over the past two years. 325 Cases Registered Against Women in 2022. This figure rose to 371 in 2023, In 2024, the count reached 452.

Harassment by Husbands and Relatives, Kidnapping and Sexual Exploitation

According to the NCRB report, crimes against women are on the rise in Chandigarh. In 2024, the highest number of cases—162—were registered involving harassment by husbands and their relatives. These complaints include instances of domestic violence, physical assault, mental harassment, and harassment related to dowry demands. Additionally, 138 cases of kidnapping involving women were reported. According to police records, many of these cases involved instances where women were lured away under the pretext of marriage, forced into sexual relations, or involved in family disputes.

Furthermore, 11 cases of sexual exploitation were registered, comprising complaints of molestation and sexual coercion against women. Meanwhile, three cases involving the deaths of women due to dowry harassment were recorded, painting a grim picture of the escalating domestic violence within society. The report also indicates that seven cases of assault against women were registered; these incidents included physical beatings, criminal intimidation, and attacks in public spaces.

Key Crime Statistics in Chandigarh

According to the NCRB report, a total of 3,621 criminal cases were registered in Chandigarh during 2024. Among these, theft cases were the most prevalent, with 1,387 instances reported, while 189 cases of vehicle theft were recorded. Additionally, the city registered 96 cases of rape, 176 cases of kidnapping, and 21 cases of murder. The occurrence of 58 cases of snatching and 259 cases of fraud has further heightened concerns regarding law and order in the city.

The report also revealed that, in terms of the crime rate for offenses against women and children, Chandigarh ranked second among all Union Territories. These continuously rising crime statistics have raised serious questions regarding the efficacy of the administration and the police force in ensuring the safety and security of women and children.