Bihar has witnessed a sharp rise in crimes over the past decade under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, despite his reputation for ending the jungle raj era. Between 2015 and 2024, overall crimes in the state increased by 80.2 percent, according to the State Crime Records Bureau. This growth surpasses the national increase of 32.5 percent from 2015 to 2023. While the state's crime rate per lakh population remains below the national average, Bihar consistently records higher-than-average violent crimes, particularly murders and attempted murders. The state ranks second-highest nationally in murder cases every year since 2015, trailing only Uttar Pradesh. Property disputes have emerged as the leading motive for murders, followed by personal vendetta in recent years. The opposition has criticised Kumar's government for deteriorating law and order, sparking debate ahead of assembly elections.
Crime Trends and Violent Offences in Bihar
From 2015 to 2023, Bihar's murder rate and attempted murder cases remained troubling. The state recorded 2,862 murders in 2023, down from 3,178 in 2015, yet it consistently ranked second-highest nationally. Attempted murders rose sharply from 5,981 in 2015 to 8,657 in 2023, placing Bihar second after West Bengal. Adjusted for population, Bihar's 2.2 murders and 6.8 attempted murders per lakh in 2023 exceeded the national averages of 2 and 4.1. Property disputes remain the primary motive, peaking at 1,016 cases in 2018. Personal vendetta overtook other motives in 2022 and 2023, with 703 cases in 2023. Bihar led the nation in property-related murders from 2015 to 2023, except in 2018.
Source: Link