SUBJECT FORENSIC SCIENCE

Paper No. and Title PAPER No. 2: Criminology and Law

Module No. and Title MODULE No. 3: Types of Crime

Module Tag FSC_P2_M3

FORENSIC SCIENCE PAPER No.2: Criminology and Law

MODULE No.3: Types of Crime
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Learning Outcomes
2. Introduction
3. Factors responsible for crime
3.1 Ordinary factors
3.2 Specific factors
4. Types of Crime
4.1 Murderous Crime
4.2 Crimes against moveable or immoveable possessions
4.3 Crimes against moral values
4.4 Crimes against public peace and order
4.5 Crimes against Public Health
4.6 Crimes regarding Natural Resources
5. Criminality types in India
5.1 Hooliganism
5.2 Kidnapping
5.3 Murdering
5.4 Deception
5.5 Imitation
5.6 Theft by house breaking
5.7 Theft
5.8 Looting with the employment of force or beating
5.9 Dacoity
5.10 Dowry death
5.11 Rape
5.12 Abortion
5.13 Hurt
5.14 Arson
6. A brief of crime record of year 2013 by NCRB
6.1 Violent crimes
6.2 Crime against women
6.3 Human Trafficking
6.4 Crime against children
6.5 Cyber Crime
7. Summary
FORENSIC SCIENCE PAPER No.2: Criminology and Law
MODULE No.3: Types of Crime
 1. Learning Outcomes

After studying this module, you shall be able to-

 Know what are the types of crime

 Learn what are the factors behind the crime
 Analyze the yearly data upon crime

2. Introduction

“Crime is an activity that breaks the laws and enforcements”. Crime is not the problem of
one home or one person; it is the problem of whole society. It costs not only in currency
every year but also represents an even greater loss in terms of human values, happiness
and their morals. In recent years the crime graph is more appalling not only in India but
all over the world.

According to the legal definition, crime “implies any act done or committed in violation
of public law, and for which the person is liable to punishment by indictment,
presentment or impeachment”. Crime is a universal phenomenon. Its etiology is
extremely complex and the manifestations vary according to time, place and the
individual. It also varies with historical periods, modes of life, economic conditions and
social attitudes.

Crime has been with mankind since the beginning of recorded history. Ever since man
has attempted to find the most effective deterrents against crime, society has framed the
theories of punishment and established the prison system to control the criminal behavior
but crime has continued unabated. The idea of a crime – free society in utopian. Thus, the
researchers suggest that we should place emphasis on prevention of crime.

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 3. Factors responsible for crime

Sociologist locate the causes of crime in social conditions. For them, no human being
happens to be a criminal by birth. They also analytically put forth the social factors which
induce human beings towards criminality. For understanding, it is important that life
histories of individual criminals are recorded to isolate the social factors that could lead
to criminal behaviour.

There are two groups of factors leading to crime-

1. Ordinary factors
2. Specific factors

3.1 Ordinary factors

These factors basically affect the whole of society; they include mainly geographical,
sociological and physiological factors. According to study on geographical factors, the
human needs change according to the changes in seasons and in case the needs remain
unfulfilled, the tendency to commit crime increases. Along with these factors few
circumstantial elements are also considered as reason for crime.

3.1.1 Family Circumstances: The important task of family is to socialize an individual

and to impart the knowledge of rules and norms, eventually making her a
responsible citizen. However, under certain circumstance this family
responsibility fails and the members of the family tend to become criminals.

3.1.2 A broken family: If in a family, the father and the mother are divorced, or dead,
or living separately then such a family is broken. The likelihood in such families
is that the children will remain imperfectly socialized. They will not be able to
internalize the norms and the values of society, hence there is a likelihood that
they would turn to criminality.

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 Some other factors in terms of family are big family, living in poor conditions, sibling
position among brothers in family, fallen family, absence of orderliness in the family and
in last the proverb “A man is recognized by the company he keeps”, i.e. the peer group.

3.2 Specific factors

The role of the group of which an individual is a part is an important factor in criminal
behavior. As a result, an individual develops criminal behavior because of his association
with others. Seeking for the techniques of crime and growth of mental attitude are the
fruits of bad company.

3.2.1 Living in disorganized company: Disorganization breeds crime. Further, in the

fast growing cities, increasing population is one of the prime factors in criminal activities.
Urban anonymity is also one of the factors.

3.2.2 Movies & Internet: Movies instigate violence. It has also observed that in cinema
halls, getting advantage of darkness the ignorant children are drawn towards sexual acts.
Many children visit the cinema theatres to commit theft. In contemporary age, internet is
another factor familiarizing young mind with novel methods of committing

4. Types of crime

In current scenario crime pattern has changed, due to which the types of crimes also
differ. In some crimes, only one individual is involved and in some other, there are many
persons who are organized for the purpose of committing crime. In addition to some
crimes which are done physically, the cases of cybercrime have also multiplied. There are
such bands of criminals working at the national level and even there are bands of
criminals whose field of crime is international. It is not only the males to be criminals but
there are females and children also in criminal acts. So, in order to classify crime we have
to consider the personality of the criminal, his purpose and the type of his crime.

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 According to severity, crime is divided into:

a) Ordinary or simple crime

b) Serious or severe crime

According to the purpose or objective, crime ids divided into:

a) Monetary crime: mainly for the beneficial of money e.g. theft, dacoity, fraud,
forgery, and online banking frauds.
b) Sexual crime: Rape, Incest, Unnatural (Lesbianism, Sodomy, Bestiality),
Sexual perverts, Masochism, Voyeurism.
c) Political crimes: Espionage, treachery, treason, Scams.
d) Miscellaneous crimes: crimes other than the above three types, e.g. Arson,
quarrel, fight, kidnapping or narcotics.

Also the crimes are classified on the base of their antisocial or anti personal aspects as
under:

4.1 Murderous crimes

Every individual or community desires to be safe. Any behaviour bringing the life into
danger may be called murderous crime e.g. thrashing, enforcing starvation, causing
physical, injuries, inducing some to suicide, victimizing, attempting to murder.

4.2 Crimes against moveable or immoveable possessions

For every individual or community, the property and possessions are important. The basic
human needs are food, shelter and clothing, on which human welfare, establishment and
safety depend. Naturally every community approves the legal ownership of possessions
by individuals. Hence, theft, looting, fraud, forgery are crimes regarding possessions.
Every human being has the right to protect his possessions. So, getting back the
possessions from the criminals and punishing them were considered as personal issues.

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 This tradition is among many native populations natives. But, this system is not
practicable for all the persons and hence not effective. On the other hand, vengeance and
conflict arise and the peace and administration of the community are endangered.
Therefore, crime against possessions is considered as logically flowing from under
criminality. Individual or social welfare depends upon the peaceful running of family.
Therefore, any behaviour brining the family in danger is positively considered as crime
e.g. negligence of the parents regarding the care taking of their wards, breaking the
traditional social concepts of marriages, having many husbands or many wives,
extramarital relations, neglecting the helpless old.

4.3 Crimes against moral values

Every organization in any community is based on certain morals. A breach of this moral
faith by misbehavior is considered as crime. Family relations, marital relations are
governed by moral rules. Going against these rules is condemned. Publicly displaying
nudity, or indulging in incidents behaviour is definitely immoral. Lying, tempting for
extramarital relation, inducing for drug addiction or betting etc. are also moral crimes.

4.4 Crimes against public peace and order

For welfare and peaceful life, safety of people in a community is essential. Almost all the
communities are alert in keeping their constituent institutes active and therefore they are
attentive regarding safety and order within the community. Any behaviour against it is
considered crime. One of the main function of the government is take care of the safety
of all its citizens, and anyone who tries to spoil is behaved to be indulging in criminality
and deserves punishment.

4.5 Crimes against Public Health

These crimes include the activities of interference or hindrance in 1) irradiation of the

epidemics, 2) selling of adulterated food, 3) selling of unauthorized medicines.

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 4.6 Crimes regarding Natural Resources

Just as the personal belongings and property are valuable, the natural resources are also
valuable to people. The resources like rivers, oceans, forests, mines, birds, cattle and
other beasts and also human population are considered as national property. Any one
adversely affecting these is a criminal.

5. Criminality types in India

According to the behavior pattern of criminals we can explain them in following terms:

5.1 Hooliganism

Under Indian Penal Code, Rule No. 146, hooliganism is mentioned. It is considered as a
crime disturbing public peace, when an illegal or unlawful mob is formed and force is
used, then hooliganism is committed. Generally, the common objective of the mob is
attained either individually or jointly by using force. In such an incident, every person in
the mob is considered as criminal.

5.2 Kidnapping

This crime includes the corporal torturing of human beings. There are two types of
kidnapping.

Kidnapping of minors: When a person abduct a boy under 16 years and a girl under 18
years of age without the consent of parents or a person who induces elopement by some
temptation, then this crime is said to be committed.

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 Kidnapping by using force: When a person abducts another person by using force, by
compelling, by deceit or by tempting then this crime is said to be committed.

5.3 Murdering

Killing somebody intentionally comes under the crime of murdering. If the person
committing the act knows that it so imminently dangerous that it must, in all probability
cause death or such bodily injury as is likely to cause death, and commits such act
without any excuse for incurring the risk of causing death or such injury as aforesaid then
the person is regarded as murderer.

5.4 Deception

When a person causes another person to part with or hand over anything or article to a
third person, or if a person induces by compulsion another person to consent for the
possession of a thing or article by a third person, then the act of deception occurs.

5.5 Imitation

Contriving to imitate and prepare a similar from an original thing or copying out the
original then the crime of imitation takes place. Using false currency, coins or forged
documents come under this crime. The main intention is to deceive.

5.6 Theft by house breaking

If there is illegal trespassing in a house for the purpose of theft, then crime occurs.

5.7 Theft

If some article or possession of a person is stolen without the knowledge or permission of

the owner, then this crime is committed.

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 5.8 Looting with the employment of force or beating

When there is an attempt to steal and if during the actual operation of theft, a person is
injured in fight or expires, or if a person is intimidated illegally of death or refection and,
if then the theft is done, this act comes under looting. Thus, looting is stealing or using
violence.

5.9 Dacoit

When five or more men come together and try to steal or to loot, this activity comes
under dacoit.

5.10 Dowry death

Where the death of a woman is caused by any burns or bodily injury or occurs otherwise
than under normal circumstances within seven years of her marriage and it is shown that
soon before her death she was subjected to currently or harassment by her husband or any
relative of her husband for, or in connection with, any demand of dowry, such death shall
be called “dowry death”.

5.11 Rape

Man is said to have committed “Rape” when he has sexual intercourse with a woman
under forceful circumstances.

5.12 Abortion

A serious antisocial act “criminal abortion” is defined under section 312 to 316 of the
IPC.

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 5.13 Hurt

Whoever causes bodily pain or disease to any person is said to cause hurt.

5.14 Arson

Willful and malicious burning of a dwelling or cartilage is punishable under the section
of 435 to 438 of the IPC.

6. A brief of crime record of year 2013 by NCRB

6.1 Violent crimes

 The share of violent crimes in total IPC crimes during 2013 was 11.3% (which
was 11.5% in 2012).
 The highest rate of violent crimes was reported from Delhi (54.4) followed by
Assam (42.3), Kerala (40.5) and Arunachal Pradesh (37.9) as compared to 24.4 at
All-India level.
 Uttar Pradesh (38,779 cases) reported the highest cases of violent crimes
accounting for 12.9% of total violent crimes in the country (3,00,357 cases)
followed by Maharashtra with 10.9% (32,815 cases) and Bihar with 10.1%
(30,213 cases).
 Uttar Pradesh reported the highest incidents of murder accounting for 15.2%
(5,047 out of 33,201 cases) of total murder cases and the highest i.e.14.8% (5,259
out of 35,417) of total attempt to commit murder cases in the country.
 Madhya Pradesh reported 12.9% (4,335 out of 33,707 cases) of total rape cases
reported in the country.
 1,45,542 case affecting body, 39,625 cases affecting property, 33,707 cases
affecting women and 81,483 cases affecting public safety were reported under
violent crimes during 2013.

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 Table 1: Crime cases reported in year 2013 according to NCRB.

S. No. Crime Heads Cases reported

1. Murder 33201
2. Rape 33707
3. Kidnapping & Abduction 65461
4. Dacoit 4539
5. Robbery 31927
6. Riots 72126
7. Arson 9357
8. Dowry deaths 8083
9. Burglary 104401
10. Theft 372622
11. Total crime against children 58224

6.2 Crime against women

 Andhra Pradesh reported 10.6% of total such cases in the country (32,809 out of
3, 09,546 cases). Delhi UT reported the highest crime rate (146.8) as compared to
the national average rate of 52.2.
 The proportion of IPC crimes committed against women under total IPC crimes
has increased during last 5 years from 9.2% in the year 2009 to 11.2% during the
year 2013.
 Madhya Pradesh has reported the highest number of rape cases (4,335), assault on
women with intent to outrage her modesty (8,252 cases) and West Bengal has
reported highest number of importation of girls from foreign country (9 cases)
accounting for 12.9%, 11.7% and 29.0% respectively of total such cases reported
in the country.
 Andhra Pradesh has reported 37.4% (4,702 cases) of total insult to the modesty of
women cases reported in country during 2013.

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  0.6% increase in cases reported under Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act (from
2,563 in 2012 to 2,579 in 2013) was observed during 2013 over 2012. Tamil
Nadu with 549 cases has accounted for 21.3% of total such (2,579 cases) followed
by Andhra Pradesh (489 cases) with 19.0%.
 Highest incidents of kidnapping & abduction 18.8% (9,737 cases) and dowry
deaths 28.9% (2,335 cases) were reported in Uttar Pradesh.
 Offenders were known to the victims in 94.3% of rape cases (31,807 out of
33,707 cases).
 Among 53 mega cities, Delhi (City) accounted for 21.4% (11,449 cases) of such
crimes followed by Mumbai 5.5% (7,946 cases), Bengaluru 4.9% (2,608 cases)
and Ahmadabad 4.6% (2,449 cases).

6.3 Human Trafficking

 An increase of 10.9% in human trafficking incidence was reported (3,940 cases in

2013 as compared to 3,554 cases in 2012).
 Percentage distribution cases registered under human trafficking is Immoral
Trafficking (Prevention) Act (65.5%), procurement of minor girls (31.1%), selling
of girls for prostitution (2.5%) and importation of girls (1.0%) and buying of girls
for prostitution (0.2%) during 2013.
 60% decrease (from 15 in 2012 to 6 in 2013) of cases under „Buying of Girls for
Prostitution‟ was reported during 2013 over 2012.

6.4 Crime against children

 An increase of 52.5% in cases of crime against children was reported in 2013 over
2012.
 Average charge-sheet rate for all crimes against children (IPC & SLL) was 83.4%
in 2013. Highest charge-sheet rate was reported in cases under rape (98.3%)
followed by Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (95.1%) in comparison to the
prevailing national level charge-sheet rate of 79.5% for IPC and 94.3% for SLL
crimes.

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  In percentage terms, major crime heads under „Crime against Children‟ during
2013 were reported under kidnapping & abduction (48.4%), rape (21.2%), murder
(other than infanticide) (2.8%), procuration of minor girls (2.1%).
 State/UT wise highest percentage share of crime against children vis-a-vis all
India figures was reported in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Maharashtra,
Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan which accounted for 16.9%,14.2%, 12.4%, 11.0%,
6.4% and 5.0% respectively.

6.5 Cyber Crimes

 Incidence of cyber crimes (IT Act + IPC sections) has increased by 63.7% in 2013
as compared to 2012 (from 3,477 cases in 2012 to 5,693 cases in 2013).
 Cyber forgery accounted for 55.9% (747 out of total 1,337 IPC cases) and cyber
fraud accounted for 38.7% (518 out of 1,337 IPC cases) were the major cases
reported under IPC category for cyber crimes.
 56.7% of the offenders under IT Act were in the age group 18-30 years (1,190 out
of 2,098 persons) and 50.1% of the offenders under IPC Sections were in the age
group 30-45 years (603 out of 1,203 persons).
 During 2013, 21.8% of cyber crimes were reported for fraud/ illegal gain (1,240
out of 5,693 cases) followed by eve-teasing/ sexual-harassment with 19.6%
(1,116 cases) and greed/ money with 14.4% (821 cases).
 Similarly in 13.2% cases of cybercrime, suspects were 'neighbours / friends &
relatives' (749 out of 5,693).

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 7. Summary

Crime is perhaps as old as humanity. With the growth of civilization, the concept of
crime has also under gone change. Every year National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB)
release it‟s Compendium in which all the data regarding the crimes and its statistical
analysis is presented. After studying this data, it is assumed that crime is yet not
stoppable, and only the mode of crime is changing, such as now there is drastic increase
in cybercrimes. But despite failures and frustrations there is always a ray of hope
pertaining through the darkness. In order to establish a dynamic socio-economic order,
several community development projects are presently applied and this should hopefully,
abate social disorganization and bring about the much needed integration and cohesion.

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MODULE No.3: Types of Crime