Maharashtra Ranks Seventh In Crime Rate, Says CM Fadnavis

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated on Friday that the state remains one of the safest in the country, citing data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).

Fadnavis was responding to a debate in the State Assembly on a motion sponsored by the Opposition last week. He said that Maharashtra ranks seventh in the country in terms of crime rate per one lakh population.

The Chief Minister also mentioned that the state has seen a decline in cases of assault, robbery, housebreaking, and theft between May 2025 and May 2026. He added that compared to other states, Maharashtra has a lower crime rate and is a safer state.

The crime detection rate in Maharashtra has improved to 82%, while the conviction rate has increased from 44.2% to 52.6%. The government aims to raise the conviction rate to 70%.

Fadnavis highlighted the impact of new criminal laws and the use of technology in policing. The investigation process has undergone a significant transformation with the use of e-evidence, forensic investigation, blockchain technology, and digital evidence management systems.

The Chief Minister also mentioned that the police have traced 93% of women reported missing between 2021 and 2026. Under 'Operation Muskaan', 43,591 missing children have been rescued and reunited with their families during the same period.

Maharashtra has intensified its fight against cybercrime, with authorities freezing Rs 439 crore linked to cyber fraud between January and June 2026. The proportion of frozen fraudulent funds has increased from 11% to 27%.

A mechanism has been introduced for the immediate refund of cyber fraud losses of up to Rs 50,000, benefiting thousands of victims. The AI-powered investigation platform 'Tapas Sarathi' has been integrated with the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS), enabling faster investigations.

Fadnavis urged citizens to exercise caution while downloading APK files, warning that they remain a major source of cyber fraud. He also spoke about the anti-narcotics drive, saying that the state has taken action against international drug syndicates and seized large quantities of drugs.

The Chief Minister's statement comes as a response to the Opposition's allegations of deteriorating law and order in the state. Fadnavis' claims of improved crime detection and conviction rates, as well as the state's efforts to combat cybercrime and narcotics, aim to reassure citizens of Maharashtra's safety.

In conclusion, the Chief Minister's statement highlights the efforts made by the Maharashtra government to improve law and order in the state. With a decline in crime rates and an increase in crime detection and conviction rates, Maharashtra is indeed one of the safest states in the country. The use of technology in policing and the state's efforts to combat cybercrime and narcotics are significant steps towards ensuring the safety and security of its citizens.