Convictions improve in Odisha, but systemic gaps still fail women

The conviction rate in crimes against women in Odisha has shown a noticeable improvement in the first six months of the year, rising to 41 per cent, according to recent official data. While the increase marks a positive shift compared to earlier years, experts caution that the figure remains far from adequate to act as a real deterrent, especially as crimes against women continue unabated.

Data indicates that Odisha’s conviction rate had remained consistently low in the past, a concern repeatedly flagged in NCRB reports, which pointed to systemic weaknesses in investigation, forensic support and prosecution.

Conviction Rate Needs Further Improvement

Former Odisha Director General of Police BK Sharma said that addressing three major structural issues:

1. Poor investigation
2. Weak forensic support
3. Ineffective prosecution

According to Sharma, these shortcomings allowed many cases to collapse during trial, resulting in acquittals or prolonged delays that diluted justice for victims.

Quality of Investigation Still a Key Concern

Despite recent improvement, Sharma maintains that the quality of police officers in Odisha, in terms of training and experience, is not very satisfactory. Investigations in crimes against women require sensitivity, technical competence and legal awareness- areas where gaps often become evident during court proceedings.

“In many cases, crucial evidence is either not collected properly or not presented effectively, which weakens the prosecution’s case,” he observed.

Forensic Support Remains Inadequate

Another major hurdle remains the alleged lack of forensic manpower and infrastructure. Delays in forensic reports, limited availability of experts, and insufficient forensic laboratories continue to affect case outcomes.

Forensic evidence plays a decisive role in crimes such as sexual assault, domestic violence and murder. Any lapse at this stage often gives the accused the benefit of doubt in court.

Police-Prosecution Disconnect Hurting Cases

A critical issue flagged by Sharma is the lack of coordination between police investigators and prosecution lawyers. He notes that disjointed functioning, coupled with a lack of professionalism and commitment among some prosecutors, weakens police cases during trial.

“The disconnect between police and prosecutors is manifest and universal,” Sharma has said, pointing out that seamless coordination is essential to secure convictions, especially in sensitive cases involving women.

Crime Against Women Still Continues

While the rise in conviction rate is encouraging, it has not translated into a reduction in crimes against women. Incidents of rape, domestic violence, dowry-related harassment and sexual assault continue to be reported regularly across the state.

Also Read: Odisha’s conviction rate lowest in country: NCRB

Experts argue that unless conviction rates rise further and justice is delivered swiftly, offenders will continue to feel emboldened.

Learning from High-Conviction States

The contrast becomes sharper when Odisha’s figures are compared with states like Uttar Pradesh, where conviction rates in crimes against women reportedly touch over 95 per cent in certain categories. Legal experts say higher conviction rates send a strong message of accountability and act as a deterrent against crime.

Odisha, they argue, must aim for similar consistency by strengthening investigation standards, modernising forensic facilities and ensuring accountability within the prosecution system.

The Way Forward

The ex-DGP stressed that to further improve the conviction rates, it requires:

- Better training and specialisation of police officers
- Strengthening forensic infrastructure and manpower
- Closer coordination between police and prosecution
- Time-bound investigation and trial
- Regular performance review of investigators and prosecutors

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The rise in conviction rate to 41 per cent reflects progress, but it is only a beginning. As long as crimes against women continue and conviction remains uncertain, justice will remain incomplete.