Bhubaneswar, Dec. 22 -- The conviction rate in crimes against women in Odisha has shown a noticeable improvement in the first six months of the year, rising to 41 per cent, according to recent official data. While the increase marks a positive shift compared to earlier years, experts caution that the figure remains far from adequate to act as a real deterrent, especially as crimes against women continue unabated.

Data indicates that Odisha's conviction rate had remained consistently low in the past, a concern repeatedly flagged in NCRB reports, which pointed to systemic weaknesses in investigation, forensic support and prosecution.

Former Odisha Director General of Police BK Sharma said that addressing three major structural issues:

1....