Criminal Offences in Nepal: A Comparative Analysis of 2010 and 2023

The landscape of criminal offences in Nepal has evolved significantly from 2010 to 2023. This article provides a comparative analysis, shedding light on the changes in crime patterns, the reasons behind these shifts, and notable cases that have occurred over the years.

2010: A Snapshot

In 2010, Nepal’s criminal offences were characterized by:

• Public Offences: Leading with 10,054 cases, reflecting social unrest and public order challenges.
• Suicides: High numbers with 3,754 cases of hanging and 1,234 cases of poison consumption, indicating mental health crises.
• Accidental Homicides: Totalling 3,622 cases, pointing to safety and health issues.
• Drug-Related Crimes: With 2,467 cases, highlighting the need for better narcotics control.
• Vehicular Homicides: Amounting to 2,051 cases, underscoring traffic safety concerns.
• Theft and Robbery: Indicating economic disparities with 1,182 thefts and 633 robberies.
• Sexual Offences: Including 1,137 rape cases, calling for gender sensitization and legal protection.
• Murders: With 1,015 cases, necessitating effective law enforcement and investigative procedures¹.

2023: The Current State

Fast forward to 2023, the criminal offence landscape in Nepal is marked by:

• Rise in Criminal Activities: Over 56,319 incidents of crime reported in 2022/23 compared to 46,902 in 2021/22, indicating a significant increase².
• Human Trafficking: Remains a severe problem, with women, girls, and men subjected to exploitation and forced labor.
• Cyber-Dependent Crimes: An uptick in cybercrimes led by foreign actors, reflecting the digital age’s new challenges.
• Financial Crimes: Including money laundering, signaling the need for robust economic regulatory measures.
• Organized Crime: With various criminal networks operating, showing the complexity of modern criminal enterprises.

Comparative Analysis

Crime Rates

• Increase: There has been an overall increase in the number of criminal offences reported.
• Nature of Crimes: Shift from traditional crimes like theft to more organized and sophisticated crimes like human trafficking and cybercrimes.

Reasons for Change

• Economic Factors: Poverty and lack of employment opportunities contribute to the rise in crimes like human trafficking.
• Technological Advancements: Increased internet access has led to new forms of crime, such as cyber-dependent crimes.
• Globalization: Open borders and increased mobility have facilitated organized crime networks.

Notable Cases

• 2010: Cases like the murder of media entrepreneur Jamim Shah highlighted the issue of organized crime.
• 2023: Incidents like the FIFA World Cup construction deaths in Qatar brought attention to the plight of Nepali migrant workers.

Conclusion

The comparison between 2010 and 2023 reveals a shift in the nature of criminal offences in Nepal, from more traditional, individual crimes to complex, organized activities. This evolution underscores the need for Nepal to adapt its legal and law enforcement frameworks to address these emerging challenges effectively. As the world changes, so too must our strategies for maintaining law and order, ensuring justice, and protecting the rights of all citizens.

This analysis aims to provide a clear understanding of the differences in criminal offences in Nepal between 2010 and 2023, offering insights into the evolving nature of crime and the continuous efforts required to combat it.