Recent data released by the National Crime Records Bureau shows that kidnapping cases have risen sharply in the country. Out of 2 million kidnapping cases registered over the past 70 years, more than 1.1 million cases were reported in just the last 10 years, indicating a rapid increase in crime. The largest number of kidnapping cases involve women and girls being abducted for forced marriage, along with general kidnapping incidents. The kidnapping of the director of an IAS Academy in Bhopal and the demand for a ransom worth crores of rupees have raised serious questions about the security system. Statistics show that the share of kidnappings in total crimes has increased from 1 percent to more than 3 percent.

Concern
                 Why Are Kidnapping Incidents Increasing?
                                                                                                        • Dr. Chander Sonane

According to figures recently released by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), 2 million kidnapping cases have been registered in the country over the last 70 years. What is shocking, however, is that out of these figures, 1.1 million kidnappings were recorded in just the last 10 years. This is a matter of serious concern.

According to NCRB statistics, kidnapping incidents have increased threefold. Cases of kidnapping and abduction of girls have risen unexpectedly during the past decade. Recently, the kidnapping of the director of an IAS Academy in Bhopal and the ransom demand of ₹1.89 crore raised several questions about the security system in the state and the country. Analysis of the available data shows that from 1953 to 2024, more than 2 million kidnapping cases were registered nationwide. The most alarming fact is that 54 percent of these cases across seven decades — that is, 1,124,000 cases — were registered during just one decade, from 2013 to 2024.

According to the available information, the share of kidnappings in total crimes was 1.01 percent between 1953 and 1962. This increased to 3.04 percent during the period from 2013 to 2024. The biggest causes of kidnapping are the abduction of women for marriage and general kidnappings.

If we compare the states, Bihar ranks third after Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra in kidnapping cases. However, in the 2024 figures, Bihar was placed at the bottom among the top six states. Organized kidnappings for ransom account for only 0.7 percent of total cases.

According to available statistics, the number and share of kidnappings in each decade over the last seven decades are as follows:

  • Between 1953 and 1962, there were 60,463 kidnappings, accounting for 1.01 percent of total crimes.
  • Between 1963 and 1972, there were 85,401 kidnappings, again accounting for 1.01 percent.
  • Between 1973 and 1982, there were 122,905 kidnappings, accounting for 0.98 percent.
  • Between 1983 and 1992, there were 168,112 kidnappings, accounting for 1.13 percent.
  • Between 1993 and 2002, there were 217,949 kidnappings, accounting for 1.26 percent.
  • Between 2003 and 2012, there were 305,438 kidnappings, accounting for 1.33 percent.
  • During 2013 to 2024, the number of kidnappings suddenly increased threefold. In this decade alone, 1,124,117 kidnappings were recorded, accounting for 3.04 percent of total crimes.

These figures are frightening and shocking.

The continuously rising number of kidnappings is deeply alarming and surprising. Only those families who suffer the kidnapping of a son or daughter truly understand the trauma involved. The entire family loses peace and sleep. The Central Government and state governments should take these figures seriously and make planned efforts not only to trace kidnapped children but also to prevent future kidnappings through stricter laws and effective enforcement, so that no family has to lose its peace of mind and security.

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Dr. Chander Sonane is retired from the post of Joint Director in the Public Relations Department of Madhya Pradesh and is currently residing in Ujjain. He has a special interest in contemporary and social issues and expresses his views frankly on matters of public concern through his column “Sarokar.”

 

Kidnapping Incidents