Total Number of Rape Cases in India (2025)

India continues to face a significant challenge regarding crimes against women, especially rape, which is a pressing concern.

Utilizing projected data for 2025, based on trends from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) for the years 2021–2022, we provide an analysis of the reported rape cases throughout various Indian states and union territories.

Although the data is not comprehensive for all areas, it highlights alarming disparities and concerning trends that require urgent attention.

In the following sections, we will examine essential facts, insights, and the factors contributing to the absence of data in specific regions.

Key Facts from the 2025 Projections

Total Projected Cases: An estimated 26,337 rape cases are projected to be registered across India 2025.

Top Regions: Rajasthan leads with 5,600 projected cases, followed by Uttar Pradesh (4,000), Madhya Pradesh (3,100), Maharashtra (2,950), and Haryana (1,900). These states account for nearly half of the total cases, reflecting their large populations and systemic issues.

Lowest Numbers: Union territories like Lakshadweep (3 cases), Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu (6 cases), and Andaman and Nicobar Islands (8 cases) report the fewest cases, likely due to smaller populations.

Data Gaps: West Bengal and Ladakh have no available data ("N/A") due to incomplete or non-submitted statistics in recent NCRB reports, particularly West Bengal’s non-submission in 2022 and Ladakh’s limited reporting capacity.

Noteworthy Insights

Regional Disparities: The elevated figures in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh are linked to their substantial populations, yet they also reveal issues such as inadequate policing, societal stigma, and low rates of conviction.

For example, Rajasthan’s 5,600 cases stand in stark contrast to the mere 20 cases reported in smaller states like Sikkim and Mizoram, where community dynamics and reduced population density might influence these statistics.

Urban vs. Rural Trends: Delhi, recognized as a prominent urban hub, ranks fifth with 1,300 cases, indicating that urban locales encounter considerable risks, potentially due to increased reporting rates fueled by heightened awareness and improved access to legal resources.

In contrast, rural-centric states such as Chhattisgarh (1,150 cases) and Odisha (1,050 cases) also exhibit significant figures, suggesting that the problem extends beyond the urban-rural divide.

Underreporting Concerns: The estimated total of 26,337 cases is likely a considerable underrepresentation.

Research indicates that between 35% and 71% of rape incidents in India remain unreported, attributed to societal stigma, fear of retaliation, and a lack of trust in the judicial system.

This discrepancy highlights the urgent need for enhanced support systems for survivors.

Smaller Regions: Union territories such as Chandigarh (15 cases) and Puducherry (10 cases) show low figures; however, their limited size and improved governance may facilitate more effective reporting and prevention strategies.

In contrast, the absence of data for Ladakh suggests administrative hurdles in newer union territories.

Reasons for the Absence of Data in Certain Regions

The lack of data for West Bengal and Ladakh arises from different challenges:

West Bengal: The state has historically been criticized for its inconsistent reporting to the NCRB, having submitted no data for the year 2022. Various political and administrative factors may play a role in this discrepancy, rendering projections unreliable.

Ladakh: Being a newly established union territory, Ladakh does not possess a comprehensive crime reporting system, and its sparse population along with its remote location may hinder effective data collection. Consequently, this leads to an "N/A" classification, as accurate projections cannot be made.

Looking Forward

The anticipated data for 2025 presents a concerning overview of the rape crisis in India.

While states such as Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh carry the heaviest burden, the issue is prevalent across the nation, with even regions with low reported cases like Lakshadweep documenting incidents.

The lack of data from West Bengal and Ladakh underscores the urgent need for consistent and transparent reporting to effectively tackle this crisis. Enhancing legal enforcement, bolstering survivor support, and addressing cultural stigmas are essential measures to decrease these figures.

As India progresses, confronting these systemic issues will be crucial for ensuring safer communities for everyone.

Source

• National Crime Record Bureau
• Press Information Bureau - Rape Cases Reported to NCW
• Data.gov.in - Reports on Rape in India
• Statista - Total number of rape cases reported in India from 2005 to 2022
• Mospi.gov.in - State-wise and Age-wise Distribution of Rape Victims for 2022