MP records highest rapes on pregnant women for 3rd consecutive year: NCRB data

Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh has recorded the highest number of rapes of pregnant women in the country for the third consecutive year, according to the National Crime Records Bureau’s (NCRB) “Crime in India 2024” report released on May 6.

The report states that 10 pregnant women were raped in Madhya Pradesh in 2024, accounting for more than 35 percent of the 28 such cases reported across the country, including all states and Union Territories (UTs).

Cases of rape involving pregnant women were reported in only eight states during the year--Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Uttarakhand.

The trend has continued over the past three years. In 2023, Madhya Pradesh reported nine such cases out of a nationwide total of 21, accounting for over 40 percent of the cases. In 2022, the state recorded 24 cases, nearly 70 percent of the national total of 34.

Despite topping the list in cases involving pregnant women, Madhya Pradesh ranked fourth in overall rape cases in 2024. Rajasthan reported the highest number of rape cases at 4,871, followed by Uttar Pradesh with 3,209 cases and Maharashtra with 3,091. Madhya Pradesh recorded 3,061 rape cases during the year.

The NCRB data also showed that Uttar Pradesh, despite ranking second nationally in overall rape cases, reported no cases of rape involving pregnant women in 2024.