Bhubaneswar, February 23 Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday informed the assembly that 2,994 cases of rape and 7,382 cases of molestation were reported in the state last year.
A total of 33,021 cases of crimes against women were registered in different police stations across Odisha in 2025, Majhi said in response to a written question from BJD legislator Prasanna Acharya.
The chief minister said that 1,183 cases of sexual harassment, 115 attempts to rape, 1,448 instances of public indecent exposure of women, 7,378 cases of abduction of women, 127 cases of voyeurism, 4,361 cases of dowry-related torture, and 5,419 cases of non-dowry-related torture were reported in the state last year.
Similarly, 757 cases of eve-teasing, 702 cases under Section 69 of the BNS (sexual relationship with false promise of marriage), two cases under Section 68 of the BNS (sexual relationship by a person in authority), 485 cases of stalking, one attempt to acid attack, 111 cases of trafficking of women, 145 cases of dowry homicide, and 77 cases of dowry-related suicide were also registered in 2025, Majhi said.
The CM said that several steps have been taken to prevent crimes against women, including rapes, in the state.
The Crime Against Women & Children Wing (CAW&CW) based in Bhubaneswar has been monitoring the investigation of important and sensitive cases of crimes against women, classifying them as 'red-flag' cases. The wing appoints an investigating officer for regular monitoring of the sensitive cases and developments in the court of law, he stated.
The investigating officers have been asked to expedite the probes in such cases, he said.
Investigative Units on Crimes Against Women (IUCAW) are functioning in different districts. These units take up the investigation of important and sensitive cases.
The Integrated Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (IAHTU) is operational in all 36 police districts, along with another unit at CAW&CW. These units take up the investigation of missing women and children cases, he said.
Besides, Mahila and Sishu Desks (MSDs) are functional to prevent crimes against women and children, Majhi said.
The CM also pointed out that his government has taken several other steps, including the installation of CCTV cameras in public places, the setting up of women hostels and toilets, the appointment of special public prosecutors for crimes against women and child cases, and awareness drives in rural areas.
