Published Paper Details:

This study examines long-term crime trends in India from 2001 to 2025 using National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data to analyze temporal patterns, spatial disparities, and institutional context. Using descriptive analytics, state-level panel regressions, and spatial mapping, the study evaluates trends in overall IPC crimes, crimes against women, and selected socio-demographic and justice indicators. Results indicate a sustained increase in reported IPC crimes, particularly after 2014, with significant spatial concentration in urbanized states and districts. Panel fixed-effects models reveal positive associations between crimes against women and overall IPC crime rates, while economic crimes show a negative association, highlighting reporting and classification dynamics. The analysis further demonstrates that urbanization and justice infrastructure capacity influence crime visibility across states. The findings underscore the importance of strengthening institutional capacity, improving reporting mechanisms, and adopting data-driven policing strategies for effective crime prevention and governance.