Maharashtra Tops India in Cases Registered Against Police Personnel: NCRB 2024 Report

Nagpur, May 15, 2026 - Shubham Nagdeve

Nagpur: Maharashtra has recorded the highest number of criminal cases registered against police personnel in the country, according to the latest 2024 report released by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). The report has raised serious concerns over accountability and misconduct within the state police force.

As per the NCRB data, Maharashtra registered 321 cases against police personnel in 2024, accounting for nearly 18% of the 1,706 cases reported nationwide. The state ranked significantly higher than others, with Rajasthan reporting 187 cases, followed by Telangana (132), Kerala (130), and Tamil Nadu (129).

The report further revealed that Maharashtra also recorded the highest number of arrests of police personnel among all 28 states. A total of 201 police personnel were arrested, making up nearly 26% of the 773 arrests made across India during the year.

Chargesheets Filed in 133 Cases

Out of the 321 cases registered in Maharashtra, one case was quashed or stayed by the court. Chargesheets were filed in 133 cases, while final investigation reports were submitted in 22 cases, indicating that a significant number of investigations are still pending.

In terms of legal proceedings, 115 police personnel were chargesheeted in the state during 2024. Trials involving 43 accused police personnel were completed during the year.

Among these cases:

11 police personnel were convicted
32 were acquitted or discharged by courts

The NCRB findings have triggered renewed discussions around police accountability, transparency, and internal disciplinary mechanisms within law enforcement agencies.

Transparency or Structural Concern?

Senior sources from the Nagpur Police indicated that the higher number of registered cases could partly reflect improved reporting mechanisms and greater transparency in handling complaints against police personnel.

However, officials also acknowledged that the data points toward deeper structural and systemic issues that require urgent administrative and institutional reforms.

Experts believe that while increased registration of cases may indicate willingness to act against misconduct, the figures also highlight the need for stronger oversight, ethical policing practices, and faster judicial processes in cases involving law enforcement officials.