Chandigarh, known for its clean roads, greenery, and peaceful lifestyle, is now facing growing concerns over crime and law and order. According to the latest report released by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), the city recorded the second-highest crime rate among all Union Territories in India in 2024.
The NCRB’s “Crime in India 2024” report showed that Chandigarh registered a crime rate of 290.4 cases per one lakh population. Among Union Territories, only Delhi had a higher crime rate at 1,285.5 cases per lakh population.
Chandigarh’s crime rate was also higher than the national average of 237.4. However, some Indian states recorded even higher crime rates than Chandigarh. Kerala reported a crime rate of 513, Haryana recorded 368.5, and Telangana stood above Chandigarh as well.
Crime rate is calculated based on the number of crimes registered per one lakh people. This system helps compare crime levels in different cities and states fairly, regardless of population size.
According to the report, crime in Chandigarh has increased steadily over the past three years. In 2022, the city registered 2,941 cases under the Indian Penal Code (IPC). In 2023, the number increased to 3,285 cases. In 2024, the total reached 3,621 cases.
Out of the total cases in 2024, 2,391 were registered under the Indian Penal Code, while 1,230 cases were filed under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which replaced the IPC during the year.
Police officials said white-collar crimes and immigration fraud cases saw a major increase in 2024. Chandigarh Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kanwardeep Kaur said immigration fraud cases rose sharply during the year.
She added that financial and white-collar crimes showed the biggest increase among all categories.
One of the most worrying findings in the report was the increase in crimes against women. The number of such cases rose every year.
In 2022, Chandigarh registered 325 cases related to crimes against women. This number increased to 371 in 2023 and further rose to 452 in 2024.
The city also recorded 96 rape cases in 2024. Based on population, Chandigarh’s rape rate stood at 16.6 cases per lakh population. This was higher than Delhi’s rape rate of 10.3, even though Delhi is often seen as one of the most unsafe cities for women.
Among Indian states, Goa had the highest rape rate at 13.3, followed by Rajasthan at 12.2.
Apart from rape cases, Chandigarh also reported two attempt-to-rape cases and 12 sexual harassment cases during 2024.
SSP Kanwardeep Kaur said the figures should not always be seen negatively. According to her, Chandigarh Police register every rape complaint seriously, including cases where allegations involve promises of marriage.
She also said that during her time in office, the city had not witnessed extremely violent rape cases like the famous Nirbhaya case in Delhi.
The police officer explained that Chandigarh Police follow strict legal procedures while handling complaints against women. She referred to directions issued by the Punjab and Haryana High Court, under which police are required to register FIRs in cruelty-related complaints within 15 days.
Police officials believe that better reporting and faster registration of complaints may also be one reason behind the rise in numbers.
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The NCRB report also showed an increase in murder cases. Chandigarh recorded 18 murder cases in 2022. The number dropped slightly to 17 in 2023 but increased again to 22 in 2024.
At the same time, there was some improvement in crimes against children. The city recorded 224 cases involving children in 2022. This number increased sharply to 294 in 2023 but later declined to 255 cases in 2024.
The report also highlighted other major crimes reported during the year. Chandigarh registered 176 kidnapping cases in 2024. Theft remained one of the most common crimes, with 1,600 theft cases recorded.
Fraud cases were also high, with 522 cases reported during the year. Police officials believe many of these cases were linked to online scams, financial cheating, and immigration fraud.
Interestingly, while IPC-related crimes increased, cases registered under Special and Local Laws (SLL) saw a decline. These include cases under laws related to excise, narcotics, and other local acts.
In 2023, Chandigarh recorded 900 SLL cases. In 2024, the number fell to 448.
Experts say rising urban populations, increasing financial fraud, and better crime reporting may all contribute to higher crime numbers in cities like Chandigarh.
Many residents feel concerned because Chandigarh has long been seen as one of India’s most peaceful and organised cities. The city is famous for its planned sectors, greenery, and calm lifestyle, especially among retired people and senior citizens.
However, the latest NCRB report shows that the city is now facing serious law-and-order challenges.
In simple terms, Chandigarh has witnessed a noticeable increase in crime over the last few years. Crimes against women, fraud, theft, and murder cases have all risen. While police officials say stricter reporting methods are partly responsible for the increase, the report has raised fresh concerns about public safety in the city.
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