Bhubaneswar, Oct 29: Crimes against women continue to raise concern, with State Home Department data highlighting a gap between cases registered, arrests made and chargesheets filed. The figures for January to July 2026 show that chargesheets were filed in only a small proportion of several categories of offences, raising questions about the pace of investigations and legal proceedings.

According to the data, 31 cases of murder of women were registered during the first seven months of 2026. Police filed chargesheets in only one case, while 27 men were arrested. Similarly, 36 rape cases were registered, but chargesheets were filed in just seven cases. A total of 32 men were arrested in connection with these cases.

Ten cases involving allegations of refusing to marry after entering into a relationship were also registered. Chargesheets were filed in two cases, and four people were arrested. In three attempted rape cases, no chargesheets had been filed, although two people were arrested.

Harassment and Sexual Offences

Harassment cases accounted for a significant number of reported offences. Of the 137 harassment cases registered between January and July, chargesheets were filed in 30, and 29 people were arrested.

Police also registered 26 cases of sexual harassment, filing chargesheets in six cases and arresting nine people. In 42 cases involving harassment of women in public places, chargesheets were filed in 15 cases, while eight people were arrested.

Three cases involving the unauthorised taking of photographs of women were registered during the period. Two people were arrested, but no chargesheets had been filed. Similarly, nine stalking cases were reported, resulting in one arrest, with no chargesheets filed.

Of the 21 cases involving public harassment and sexual misconduct, chargesheets were filed in only two cases, while four people were arrested.

Women’s Kidnapping and Dowry-Related Offences

Kidnapping of women remained another major concern. As many as 231 cases were registered during the first seven months of 2026. However, chargesheets were filed in only two cases, and 15 people were arrested.

Dowry-related offences also featured in the data. Four dowry death cases were registered, leading to two arrests, but no chargesheets had been filed. Three cases involving suicides linked to dowry-related allegations were also registered, resulting in four arrests, with no chargesheets filed.

Of the 81 dowry harassment cases reported during the period, chargesheets were filed in 12, and six people were arrested. Meanwhile, 91 cases of harassment not related to dowry were registered. Police filed chargesheets in 18 cases and arrested 13 people.

2025 Figures Also Show High Case Numbers

The data for 2025 also recorded a substantial number of crimes against women. During the year, 61 cases of murder of women were registered. Chargesheets were filed in 20 cases, and 51 men and women were arrested.

A total of 116 rape cases were registered in 2025, with chargesheets filed in 60 cases. Police arrested 103 men and one woman in connection with these cases.

Eleven cases involving refusal to marry after a relationship were reported. Chargesheets were filed in six cases, while nine men and one woman were arrested. In three attempted rape cases, one chargesheet was filed and one person was arrested.

Harassment accounted for 143 cases, of which chargesheets were filed in 129. Police arrested 54 men. Of the 42 sexual harassment cases registered during the year, chargesheets were filed in 24, and nine men were arrested.

In cases involving harassment of women in public places, 56 cases were registered. Chargesheets were filed in 25 cases, and 18 men were arrested. Two cases involving the unauthorised taking of photographs of women were also reported, but no chargesheets or arrests were recorded.

Police registered 21 stalking cases in 2025, filed chargesheets in 10 and arrested three people. One human trafficking case was also registered, leading to two arrests, although no chargesheet had been filed.

A further 36 cases involving public sexual harassment and related misconduct were registered. Chargesheets were filed in 18 cases, and eight people were arrested.

Kidnapping and Dowry Cases in 2025

The data showed that 311 cases of kidnapping of women were registered in 2025. However, chargesheets were filed in only 30 cases, while 47 men were arrested.

Sixteen dowry death cases were registered during the year. Chargesheets were filed in three cases, and five men were arrested. In three cases involving suicides linked to dowry-related allegations, seven men and one woman were arrested, but no chargesheets were filed.

A total of 192 dowry harassment cases were registered in 2025. Chargesheets were filed in 76 cases, and 18 men and one woman were arrested. In 195 cases of harassment not related to dowry, police filed chargesheets in 99 cases and arrested 14 people.

Questions Over Investigation and Prosecution

The figures for both periods highlight the scale of reported crimes against women and the varying progress in filing chargesheets. While arrests were made in several cases, chargesheets had not been filed in many others, according to the data.

The figures have renewed concerns over investigation timelines, accountability and the effectiveness of measures aimed at ensuring women's safety. However, the data alone does not establish why chargesheets remain pending in individual cases or whether investigations are still underway.

The figures underline the importance of timely investigations and legal proceedings to ensure that cases are pursued effectively and victims receive justice.