West Bengal Crime Report 2021-2025: How A State Led By A Woman CM Became Unsafe For Women | A Timeline

West Bengal has always been known for its intense political culture, but in recent years, the line between politics and crime has increasingly come under scrutiny.

From election violence to high-profile criminal cases and corruption scandals, the period between 2021 and 2025 has kept the State at the centre of national debate. Questions around governance, safety, and accountability have become closely tied to political power, making law and order a key issue in Bengal's public discourse.

Foreigners' Crime Data Adds a New Dimension

The debate has been further intensified by data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), which shows that West Bengal recorded the highest number of crimes involving foreign nationals in 2023. The State registered 1,021 such cases, most of them under the Foreigners Act, 1946 and the Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939.

This is not an isolated trend. In 2021, the number stood at 1,287, while in 2022 it was 723 and in 2020 it was 635. For nearly a decade, West Bengal has consistently reported some of the highest numbers in this category. While a small portion of cases involve serious offences like narcotics, arms, or cheating, the majority relate to violations of laws governing the presence of foreign nationals in India.

Experts say this pattern is partly due to geography. West Bengal shares a long and relatively accessible border with Bangladesh, along with smaller borders with Nepal and Bhutan. This increases cross-border movement, which in turn reflects in crime statistics.

In many cases, if a suspect is found to be a foreign national during investigation, additional legal sections are added, which also pushes up the numbers.

Border, Migration and Political Narrative

These figures have become a major political issue. Opposition parties, particularly the BJP, have linked them to allegations of illegal infiltration from neighbouring countries. They argue that such migration impacts not only security but also voter lists and demographic balance in border districts.

Leaders like Suvendu Adhikari have repeatedly raised concerns about changes in voter data and have demanded stricter verification processes. On the other hand, the ruling Trinamool Congress has dismissed these claims as politically motivated.

The issue of border fencing has also come into focus, as a significant portion of the India-Bangladesh border in West Bengal remains unfenced, adding to concerns over monitoring and control.

Major Crimes That Shaped Bengal (2021-2025)

2021: Post-Poll Violence

After the 2021 Assembly elections, the State witnessed widespread violence.

• Crimes reported: Murder, arson, sexual assault
• Impact: Human rights concerns raised
• Action: Calcutta High Court ordered CBI probe

This period highlighted how political rivalry can sometimes turn violent in Bengal.

2022-2023: Scams and Organized Crime

These years saw major corruption and smuggling cases:

SSC Recruitment Scam (2022)

• Illegal sale of teaching jobs
• Arrests of senior officials
• Recovery of large amounts of cash

Cattle and Coal Smuggling

• Cross-border networks exposed
• Investigations by ED and CBI
• Links to local power structures alleged

These cases strengthened the perception of a deep connection between crime and political influence.

2024: R.G. Kar Medical College Case

One of the most shocking incidents in recent years:

• A 31-year-old trainee doctor was raped and murdered
• Massive protests erupted nationwide
• High Court transferred probe to CBI

The case raised serious concerns about:

• Women's safety
• Institutional accountability

In 2025, further developments included legal action against officials linked to the case.

2025: Fresh Incidents Raise Concerns

Durgapur Gang Rape Case

A second-year medical student was allegedly gang-raped near her college.

• The incident triggered national outrage
• Statements by political leaders sparked controversy
• Debate over victim safety vs state responsibility intensified

Murshidabad Violence (April 2025)

• Clashes during protests
• At least three deaths reported

Kolkata Hotel Fire (April 2025)

• 14 people died
• Probe focused on safety lapses and possible negligence

Timeline Explained:

The past few years have seen a series of incidents that highlight how deeply crime and politics are intertwined in the State.

The 2021 Assembly elections were followed by widespread violence, including allegations of murder, arson, and sexual assault. The scale of the incidents led to national attention and court-monitored investigations, with the Calcutta High Court ordering a CBI probe into the most serious cases. This period set the tone for concerns about political violence in Bengal.

In 2022 and 2023, attention shifted towards corruption and organised crime. The SSC recruitment scam exposed a major network involving the illegal sale of government jobs, leading to arrests of high-profile individuals and recovery of large amounts of cash. At the same time, investigations into cattle and coal smuggling pointed to well-established cross-border syndicates, raising questions about the role of local power structures.

The year 2024 marked one of the most shocking incidents in recent memory-the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College. The case triggered nationwide protests and brought serious attention to issues of women's safety and institutional accountability. The investigation was later handed over to the CBI, reflecting a lack of trust in local processes.

In 2025, fresh incidents continued to keep the spotlight on law and order. The Durgapur gang rape case involving a medical student sparked outrage across the country. The case became even more controversial after remarks by political leaders were seen as insensitive, leading to accusations of victim-blaming. Around the same time, violence in Murshidabad during protests and a deadly hotel fire in Kolkata raised further concerns about public safety and administrative response.

Women's Safety and Public Outrage

One of the most consistent concerns during this period has been the safety of women. While official data often presents Kolkata as a relatively safer city, incidents like the R.G. Kar case and the Durgapur assault have challenged that perception.

Public anger has also been fuelled by reactions from authorities. In several cases over the years, statements from political leaders have been criticised as dismissive or insensitive. This has led to protests, especially by civil society groups, who argue that the focus should be on ensuring safety rather than questioning victims' actions.

The Larger Pattern: More Than Just Numbers

Taken together, the developments between 2021 and 2025 point to a broader pattern. Crime in West Bengal cannot be seen in isolation-it is closely linked with political competition, administrative challenges, and geographical realities.

Election violence reflects the intensity of political rivalry. Corruption scandals highlight systemic issues within institutions. Crimes involving foreign nationals connect local law enforcement to international borders. Meanwhile, repeated incidents involving women have brought attention to deeper social and governance concerns.

West Bengal's law and order situation is shaped by multiple factors-politics, geography, and governance. The data on crimes, along with a series of high-profile incidents, shows that the issue goes beyond isolated events.

As the State moves towards future elections, these concerns are likely to remain central to political debates. The challenge for authorities will be not just to control crime, but also to restore public trust in the system.