Bengaluru: Bengaluru recorded the highest number of cases in the country under the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, according to the latest ‘Crime in India 2024’ report released by the National Crime Records Bureau.
The report revealed that Bengaluru registered 878 dowry-related cases in 2024, accounting for nearly 87 per cent of all such cases reported across metropolitan cities in India.
Out of the total 1,008 dowry-related cases recorded in metropolitan cities nationwide, Bengaluru alone contributed the overwhelming majority, highlighting growing concerns over crimes against women and domestic abuse in the Karnataka capital.
Bengaluru far ahead of other metros
According to NCRB data, Lucknow ranked second among metropolitan cities with only 48 dowry-related cases, a significantly lower number compared to Bengaluru.
The report also showed that Bengaluru recorded 25 dowry-related deaths during 2024.
While the figure remained lower than Delhi, which reported 109 dowry deaths, Bengaluru’s numbers were higher than those recorded in several major South Indian cities.
Cities including Chennai, Kozhikode, Kochi and Coimbatore reported no dowry-related deaths during the year.
Hyderabad recorded 14 dowry deaths during the same period.
The NCRB figures have raised serious concerns among women’s rights activists and legal experts regarding the persistence of dowry-related harassment and violence despite stringent laws and awareness campaigns.
Highest crimes against women under special laws
The NCRB report further stated that Bengaluru topped the list of metropolitan cities in crimes against women registered under Special and Local Laws (SLL).
The city recorded 1,051 such incidents in 2024, the highest among all metropolitan cities in the country.
Among offences involving criminal force used to outrage the modesty of women, Bengaluru again reported the highest number with 897 cases.
Mumbai followed closely with 857 cases under the same category.
Officials and experts noted that the figures reflect both the prevalence of crimes against women and increased reporting of such offences in urban areas.
However, activists argue that the high numbers also indicate the need for stronger preventive measures, better social awareness and faster legal intervention mechanisms.
Karnataka reports thousands of cruelty cases
At the state level, Karnataka recorded 2,947 cases related to cruelty against wives by husbands or in-laws during 2024.
The NCRB report showed that Uttar Pradesh registered the highest number of such cases in the country at 21,266.
Rajasthan followed with 10,578 cases, while Maharashtra reported 10,538 incidents.
Experts pointed out that domestic violence and dowry harassment continue to remain significant social challenges across India despite legal safeguards under the Dowry Prohibition Act and provisions of the Indian Penal Code.
Women’s rights organisations have repeatedly called for stricter enforcement of laws, improved counselling and support systems for victims and greater awareness campaigns aimed at changing social attitudes linked to dowry practices.
Concerns over urban safety and gender crimes
The NCRB findings have once again triggered debate about women’s safety and gender-related crimes in metropolitan cities.
Activists say urban centres such as Bengaluru face growing social pressures associated with rapid urbanisation, financial stress and changing family structures, which may contribute to domestic disputes and harassment cases.
Legal experts have also stressed the importance of strengthening institutional support systems, including women’s helplines, counselling centres, legal aid services and fast-track courts for crimes against women.
Authorities have not yet issued an official response regarding the NCRB figures specific to Bengaluru.
The report is expected to intensify discussions among policymakers, law enforcement agencies and civil society groups on the need for stronger preventive and support measures to tackle dowry harassment and violence against women.