Bhopal has recorded a sharp rise in violent crime, with attempt-to-murder cases increasing by 229.3% in the first nine months of 2026 and cases involving women tripling over the same period, according to data reported by the Times of India and statements from senior police officers.
Police registered 191 attempt-to-murder cases in Bhopal between January and September 2026, compared with 58 during the corresponding period last year. Attempt-to-murder cases involving women rose from five in the first nine months of 2025 to 15 this year.
The increase comes amid a series of violent incidents across the city. More than half a dozen attempt-to-murder cases were reported within two days last week, including five cases in which women were allegedly targeted. The reported attacks have added to concerns within the police department over the nature and spread of violent offences in the city.
Senior police officers said habitual offenders continued to be involved in violent crimes, but several recent offences involving violence and bodily harm were also allegedly committed by first-time offenders with no previous criminal record. Police have also raised concern over the involvement of minors in some recent violent assaults.
Murder cases involving women also increased during the period covered by the data, rising from eight in the first nine months of 2025 to 10 in the same period this year. The figures indicate that the rise has not been limited to cases registered under the attempt-to-murder category.
Police Commissioner Sanjay Kumar said the police were taking a strict approach towards violent crimes, particularly knife attacks. According to the report, police are invoking stringent legal provisions when attacks involve knives or other sharp weapons. Depending on the circumstances, accused persons are being booked under charges including attempt to murder or attempt to commit culpable homicide.
The police said the use of serious provisions was intended to enable strict legal action and create a deterrent against violent attacks. However, Kumar said preventing sudden acts of violence arising from domestic disputes or personal conflicts remained difficult. He cited incidents such as a husband attacking his wife or a friend assaulting another friend as examples of violence that can emerge quickly from personal confrontations.
The police response is focused on the registration of cases under provisions considered appropriate to the circumstances of each attack. The latest figures and the recent cluster of incidents remain under the department’s monitoring as officers continue to investigate individual cases.
