Shimla: On September 1, 2026, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu presented the figures in a written reply in the Himachal Pradesh Assembly, covering cases reported up to July 31, 2026. The response came in connection with a question raised by BJP MLA from Karsog, Deep Raj.
According to the data, 4,379 cases of crimes against women were registered in Himachal Pradesh over the past three years. These included 1,287 rape cases, 435 cases of molestation, 646 cases of harassment, 96 cases of murder of women, and 1,915 cases of exploitation.
High number of pending cases raises questions
The biggest concern, however, is not just the number of cases registered but their judicial outcomes.
Of the 1,287 rape cases, 775 were reported to be pending before the courts. Convictions were recorded in 66 cases, while 219 cases resulted in acquittals.
The situation is also concerning in murder cases. A total of 309 murder cases were registered in the state over the three-year period. Of these, only five resulted in convictions, while 233 cases remain pending.
Looking at other major crimes, a total of 5,773 cases involving murder, theft, robbery and kidnapping were registered. These included 3,481 theft cases and 1,970 kidnapping cases.
What do the numbers really tell?
The district-wise figures also draw attention. Shimla recorded the highest number of murder cases at 50, while Mandi reported the highest number of rape cases at 187. Shimla and Sirmaur recorded 168 rape cases each.
However, these figures alone cannot determine which district is the “most unsafe.” Population size, reporting rates and crime rates per lakh population also need to be considered.
Similarly, the 66 convictions in 1,287 rape cases should not be directly interpreted as the conviction rate. Many of these cases are still at different stages of trial, and their final outcomes could change as court proceedings continue.
Yet, the larger question remains for the state government: What steps are being taken to speed up investigations and judicial proceedings amid such a high number of pending cases?
Because crime statistics cannot be limited to FIRs alone. The real test is whether victims receive timely justice and a safe environment.
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