Patna, Feb 12: Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Friday attributed the rise in recorded crime figures in the state to population growth and the introduction of digital platforms that allow citizens to report offences online.
Responding to a question raised by RJD member Abdul Bari Siddiqui during the budget session of the Legislative Council, Choudhary — who also holds the Home portfolio — said the increase reflected improved reporting mechanisms rather than a deterioration in law and order.
Citing data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), Siddiqui pointed out that cognisable crimes in Bihar have risen from 1,15,216 in 2004 to 3,52,000 in recent years. He also noted that theft cases have increased from 11,518 to 22,760, while kidnapping cases have gone up from 2,566 to 3,245 during the same period.
In his reply, the deputy Chief minister said the state’s population has grown substantially over the past two decades, naturally leading to a rise in the number of reported cases. He further argued that the launch of online complaint portals and digitised FIR systems has made it easier for citizens to register cases, contributing to higher recorded figures.
Choudhary maintained that better transparency and accessibility in the policing system have improved crime registration, and the numbers should be seen in that context.
The exchange took place amid a broader debate in the House over law and order in the state, with opposition members questioning the government over trends reflected in NCRB statistics.
