Citing official crime data, the state government says Haryana is witnessing a consistent drop in crime rates under its ‘Zero Tolerance for Crime’ policy.
Chandigarh, July 21, 2025 — The Haryana government has strongly denied allegations by Opposition parties about a surge in crime across the state, calling their claims “misleading and factually baseless.” In an official statement issued on Sunday, the state government defended its track record on law and order, asserting that crime in Haryana has actually declined under the current Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) administration.
A government spokesperson said the claims made by opposition leaders were an attempt to create panic among citizens and mislead the public. “Had the Opposition compared crime statistics from 2004 to 2014 with those from 2014 to 2024, they would not have made such irresponsible statements,” the spokesperson said.
The government reiterated that it is committed to a ‘Zero Tolerance for Crime’ policy and has taken several effective steps to improve law and order. It cited data from the Haryana State Crime Records Bureau (HSCRB) to support its claims.
Crime Statistics: A Comparative Look
According to HSCRB data, during the Congress-led government from 2004 to 2014, the average annual increase in crime stood at 18.69%. The number of murder cases rose from 733 in 2004 to 1,106 in 2014, reflecting an annual increase of 3.81%.
However, during the BJP government’s tenure from 2014 to 2024, the data shows a decline in several major crime categories. By 2024, the number of murder cases had dropped to 966, marking a significant decrease. Other categories, barring snatching, also showed a downward trend, the government claimed.
Crime Trends in 2025
For the first half of 2025 — from January 1 to June 30 — the state reported the following reductions in key crimes compared to the same period in 2024:
- Murder: Down by 7%
- Robbery: Down by 30.13%
- Snatching: Down by 11.64%
- Burglary: Down by 13.27%
- Theft: Down by 6.55%
- Rape: Down by 26.14%
- Kidnapping: Down by 16.67%
- Molestation and Sexual Harassment: Down by 16.90%
The spokesperson said that annual data comparisons between 2023 and 2024 also show consistent declines in most crime categories.
Opposition’s Stand
Opposition parties, including the Congress and the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD), had earlier accused the state government of failing to control rising crimes, particularly those against women and vulnerable communities. They also questioned the efficacy of Haryana Police in ensuring public safety.
However, the BJP government maintains that these statements are politically motivated and not supported by actual figures.
Looking Ahead
The Haryana government says it will continue investing in police modernization, surveillance infrastructure, and community policing initiatives. Officials say that with better resources, increased patrolling, and public participation, Haryana aims to further reduce crime and ensure a safer environment for its citizens.
While political rivalries continue, the real test lies in how the ground realities reflect over time — whether in terms of public perception, victim support systems, or long-term crime control.