Maharashtra recorded the highest number of crimes against children in the country with 24,171 cases in 2023, according to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report. This represents a significant increase from 15,747 cases in 2022.
The majority of these crimes fall under the category of cruelty towards children, accounting for 15,744 instances. Cases related to the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act also saw a rise, with 6,838 registered in 2023 compared to 5,885 in 2022.
Within POCSO cases, the highest number involved victims aged between 16-18 years (3,349 cases), followed by those aged 10-12 years (1,549 cases). A concerning trend is the increase in cases involving children below 10 years of age, with 838 cases reported.
Maharashtra is followed by Uttar Pradesh with 15,964 cases and Madhya Pradesh with 12,898 cases. Nationally, India recorded 1,40,355 crimes against children in 2023, a rise from 1,05,133 in 2022.
The report highlights that charge sheets were filed in 89.7% of POCSO cases in Maharashtra, and conviction rates stood at 42.8%. However, the overall disposal rate of cases remains a concern.
Data indicates a rise in cases of kidnapping and abduction of children, with 1,348 cases reported in Maharashtra in 2023, up from 998 in 2022. Infant abandonment/exposure also increased, with 118 cases reported.
The NCRB data underscores the urgent need for enhanced child protection measures and effective implementation of existing laws to safeguard children from violence and exploitation in Maharashtra and across India. The increase in reported crimes may also reflect improved reporting mechanisms, but the overall trend points to a worsening situation for child safety.
