Bhubaneswar, March 22: The Odisha government today admitted to a 14 per cent increase in the number of crimes committed in 2012 over the previous year. Significantly, major crimes, especially rape and murder, showed an upward trend during the year, as compared to 2011.

It was revealed from the white paper on law and order circulated by the home department that 83,960 cognisable offences were registered in 2012 against previous year’s 73,630.

The white paper was placed in the Assembly.

In 2012, as many as 1,458 rape cases were registered against 1,112 in 2011 and 1,025 in 2010. The government attributed the rise in these crimes to growing awareness among people to report such offences to police.

Besides, the white paper stated that several victims had filed rape cases after they were duped by individuals with whom they had sexual relations after being assured of marriage. As many as 209 such cases were registered during the year.

Of the 1,458 rape cases registered last year, prima-facie evidences were found in 1,417 cases. Charge sheets had been filed in 928 cases. However, the conviction rate was low. Only six of the rape accused were convicted, while 26 were acquitted.

The twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack recorded 84 rape cases during the year. Keonjhar district registered the highest number of such cases (102), followed by Balasore (87), Mayurbhanj (86), Koraput (73) and Kalahandi (65).

Dowry related crimes also showed an upward trend in 2012. As many as 526 dowry torture cases were registered as against 482 in the previous year. As many as 3,054 dowry torture cases were recorded in 2012 compared to 2,501 in the previous year.

A rise in murders was also seen in 2012. As many as 1,548 murder cases had been registered in 2012, as against 1,477 and 1,307 in 2010 and 2009, respectively.

The highest number of murders was reported from Ganjam (86), followed by Rourkela (80) and Jajpur (78).