ROHTAK, May 10 -- Even as Haryana recorded a decline in overall criminal activities in 2024, the latest National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report revealed a disturbing reality: women and children continue to be among the softest targets of crime in the state.

According to the NCRB report, Crime in India 2024, Haryana recorded 4,422 cases of cruelty by husbands or relatives. This represents a 14.81% decrease from the 5,191 cases reported in 2023. Despite this decline, the state also recorded 177 dowry-related deaths this year, highlighting a persistent crisis of domestic violence.

Incidents of child procuration and child marriages are also dominating the state's crime record chart. The state reported a total of 9,609 offences against w...