Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji

Panaji, Oct 3: Goa has reported a high number of deaths due to road accidents, surpassing most other small states including Sikkim, Nagaland, Mizoram, Meghalaya, and Manipur, according to the 2023 crime statistics released by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).

The State registered 156 negligent deaths from road accidents, claiming 185 lives — a rate of 9.9 per lakh population. Hit-and-run cases accounted for 33 incidents resulting in 42 deaths (2.1 per lakh), while 123 other accidents claimed 143 lives (7.8 per lakh).

Goa also recorded the highest rate of ‘crimes affecting the human body’ among small states, with 50.9 incidents per lakh population, surpassing Sikkim (29.5), Nagaland (8.9), Mizoram (25.8), Meghalaya (37.7), and Manipur (28.2). Even Arunachal Pradesh and Tripura reported slightly lower rates of 50.2 and 48.5 respectively.

Crimes against women remain a concern. In 2023, the State recorded 96 incidents of assault with intent to outrage modesty affecting 107 victims (12.3 per lakh), 34 sexual harassment cases, 97 rape cases involving 98 victims (12.4 per lakh), and three cases of exploitation of trafficked persons. Kidnapping and abduction affected 85 victims, including 49 missing children (12.8 per lakh).

Overall, Goa reported 802 incidents of crimes against the human body with 957 victims during 2023, highlighting ongoing challenges in road safety and public security.