From Bhubaneswar to beyond: Crimes against women remain a serious challenge for Odisha

One case, many questions with genuine concerns... The alleged gang-rape of a minor girl in Bhubaneswar, where the survivor was allegedly abducted, assaulted for hours and the crime filmed, has once again drawn attention to the deepening crisis of violence against women in Odisha.

While each such case shocks public conscience, official data indicates that these incidents are not isolated. They are part of a persistent and worrying trend of crimes against women across the state.

The Bhubaneswar case mirrors patterns seen in multiple investigations: minors targeted, familiar persons involved, prolonged abuse, and the use of intimidation or recording to silence victims. Similar elements were also reported in other recent cases from Odisha, including incidents involving trafficking, forced confinement and sexual violence across state borders.

Despite legal safeguards, fast-track courts and awareness campaigns, women and minor girls continue to face heightened vulnerability, often in spaces assumed to be safe.

Crime Against Women in Odisha (as per Odisha Police)

2021: 35,326 cases
2022: 27,964 cases (decline but still high)
2023: 30,078 cases (notable rise)
2024: 30,079 cases
2025 (till July): 19,333 cases

Trend Insight:

The above data, as per The Times of India report citing Odisha Police, though shows year-to-year fluctuations, the overall numbers remain consistently high, indicating structural and systemic challenges rather than sporadic spikes.

Crime Against Women in Odisha Between June 1, 2024 & July 31, 2025:

Odisha has reported a staggering 37,611 incidents of crimes against women between June 1, 2024, and July 31, 2025. 

Also Read: Bhubaneswar Dhauli minor’s gang rape: Prime accused arrested, committed crime after release from jail

Crime Against Women in Odisha: Case-wise Details:

Rape:  2,933 cases
Molestation: 9,181 cases 
Kidnapping: 8,227 cases 
Dowry-related Torture: 5,464
Non-dowry-related Torture: 6,134 cases
Public Disrobing of Women: 2,161 incidents
Sexual Harassment: 1,278 complaints

Behind every statistic is a survivor navigating trauma, social pressure and a slow justice process. The Bhubaneswar case is not just a criminal incident, it is a reminder that safety mechanisms, community vigilance and institutional accountability must move faster than those who exploit vulnerabilities.

Besides, it is worth mentioning that as per NCRB report, a total of 4,48,211 crimes against women were reported in 2023 alone, with Telangana leading in crime rate at 124.9 per lakh female population, ahead of Rajasthan at 114.8, while Odisha at 112.4 incidents per lakh female population.