Mumbai: Maharashtra registered the highest number of Government Railway Police (GRP) cases in the country in 2024, according to recent data released by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). The figures showed that 20,519 cases were recorded in the state, reflecting the scale of offences reported on its vast railway network, especially the heavily crowded Mumbai suburban rail system.
As reported by Free Press Journal, Maharashtra led the country in terms of the total number of GRP cases, while Delhi recorded the highest crime rate at 24.3 per lakh population. Maharashtra’s crime rate stood at 16.1 per lakh population, indicating that the state’s large passenger volume significantly contributed to the higher number of registered cases.
The NCRB data further showed that theft-related offences dominated railway crime statistics in Maharashtra. A total of 19,266 theft cases were registered, making it the highest among all states. Property-related offences continued to remain the primary category of crimes reported on railway premises across the country.
In crimes involving women, Maharashtra recorded 61 molestation cases, 45 sexual harassment cases, 11 stalking incidents, 13 cases related to insulting the modesty of women, and 33 cases registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act during 2024. Kerala ranked next in women-related offences under GRP data.
However, the state reported comparatively lower figures in some serious crime categories than certain other states. Haryana registered higher numbers in cases related to murder and abetment of suicide. Maharashtra also recorded 124 grievous hurt cases, 53 kidnapping and abduction cases, and 53 offences linked to forgery, cheating, and fraud. Assam reported higher figures in the fraud-related category.
The report also highlighted that Gujarat registered the highest number of obstruction on public way cases at 368, while Maharashtra reported 39 such incidents. Gujarat additionally topped the miscellaneous offences category with 379 cases, whereas Maharashtra registered 48. Under the Arms Act, Uttar Pradesh reported the highest number of cases at 224, while Maharashtra recorded 12.
Passenger activist and railway accident survivor Samir Zaveri told Free Press Journal that people in Mumbai generally follow procedures and approach police stations to file complaints. He alleged that several offences, especially mobile theft cases, are often recorded as “missing” items instead of criminal offences, which can affect crime statistics. Zaveri further stated that Maharashtra’s GRP numbers increased after authorities began registering offences more transparently following a policy shift implemented several years ago.
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