MP tops NCRB review, emerges most unsafe state for elderly for 3rd straight yr

Indore: After topping the country on crimes across nature and classification, Madhya Pradesh has scored another dubious first as it has emerged as the most unsafe Indian state for the elderly.

According to the ‘Crime in India 2024’ report of the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), more elderly persons in MP faced crimes in the year under review than any other state.

From murders and rape to robbery, fraud and violent assaults, the state registered 5,875 cases of crimes against senior citizens in 2024 — the highest in the country.

With 594 cases carried forward from the previous year, the overall caseload touched 6,469, painting a grim picture of how India’s ageing population is increasingly vulnerable to violence, exploitation and neglect.

The latest data shows crimes against senior citizens in MP are no longer limited to isolated incidents of theft or property disputes. The pattern now ranges from violent attacks and murders to sexual offences, financial fraud and targeted street crimes, pointing to growing insecurity among the state’s elderly population.

More worrying is the persistence of the trend. Even after repeated police outreach programmes, helplines and senior citizen monitoring initiatives, the state has recorded the country’s highest number of offences against the elderly for another consecutive year.

The figures are higher than the 5,738 cases recorded in 2023, indicating a further spiral in crimes targeting the elderly. Though marginally lower than the 6,187 cases reported in 2022, the numbers still place MP at the top nationally for another consecutive year.

What stands out in the NCRB data is the nature of violence elderly citizens are facing. The report records 144 murders of senior citizens in the state in a single year — a statistic that reflects how vulnerable elderly persons have become, particularly those living alone or without family support.

The data further reveals that elderly women are increasingly becoming victims of sexual crimes. Madhya Pradesh reported 23 rape cases involving senior citizens, and 17 cases of assault or criminal force intended to outrage modesty and two cases of sexual harassment. The numbers may appear small in comparison to overall crime figures, but activists say such crimes remain grossly underreported because of stigma, fear and dependency on family members.

Violence inside neighbourhoods and homes also remains a recurring pattern. The state recorded 376 cases of grievous hurt against senior citizens, suggesting that many elderly persons are facing physical abuse over property disputes, family conflicts or financial dependence.

Financial exploitation has emerged as another major area of concern in the NCRB review.

Investigators say elderly citizens are increasingly being targeted in pension frauds, cheating, digital arrests and property-related offences due to isolation, lack of digital awareness and prolonged legal disputes over assets and inheritance. Elderly citizens increasingly appear to be soft targets for organised and opportunistic offenders

Street crimes against senior citizens, including theft, robbery and snatching, also remained high during the year. Police officials said that elderly people are often seen as easy targets because of their limited physical mobility and lack of immediate support systems.

Police officials say elderly people travelling alone or staying isolated are often targeted due to their limited physical resistance.

In many cases, senior citizens become vulnerable not just to outsiders, but also to relatives and caregivers.

The rising numbers have again triggered concerns over whether existing safety measures for senior citizens are functioning effectively.