Bengaluru's rising violent crime rate: A growing concern after city ranked third in India

Bengaluru has now ranked as the third most violent metropolitan city in India, according to the National Crime Records Bureau’s Crime in India 2023 report. Following Delhi and Mumbai, the city has witnessed the sharpest increase in violent crimes over the past three years, underscoring the challenges of rapid urban growth.

Also read: Tragedy strikes in Chennai as 9 workers die in building collapse; PM Modi announces relief

In 2023, Bengaluru reported 3,528 violent crimes, a significant rise compared to 1,900 in 2021. The city’s crime rate stands below Delhi’s 11,014 and Mumbai’s 4,750, but notably higher than other major metros like Chennai (973) and Kolkata (919). The NCRB defines violent crimes as including murder, rape, kidnapping, robbery, and arson, which are critical indicators of public safety.

Murder numbers in Bengaluru

Bengaluru’s murder count stood at 219 in 2023, lower than Delhi (500) and Mumbai (300), yet significantly higher than Chennai (132) and Hyderabad (148). The city also saw 277 rape cases, well above southern cities like Chennai (98) and Hyderabad (164). Kidnapping and abduction cases were reported at 1,089, surpassing other southern metros.

Experts suggest that some of the rise may reflect improved reporting systems and greater awareness, with online complaint platforms playing a role. However, it also highlights the growing pains of a city that has become an economic and migration hub, struggling with urban infrastructure strains.

While Bengaluru grapples with these challenges, neighbouring cities like Chennai and Hyderabad have either seen reductions or modest increases in their crime rates, further emphasizing the need for targeted improvements in Bengaluru’s public safety infrastructure.