A comparative analysis of crime against women in the pre-and post-liquor ban periods across the districts of Bihar

Abstract

Crime against women (CAW) persists as an enduring and disconcerting societal issue, encompassing a range of physical, sexual, and emotional violence. Alcohol consumption is massively associated with crime. This study examines the CAW in, Bihar, by drawing official data from the National Crime Records Bureau. The data covers the period from 2011 to 2022, providing a robust foundation for assessing these crimes’ spatial and temporal patterns. Following a complete prohibition on liquor consumption in Bihar since 2016, including five distinct categories of CAW have been selected for comprehensive analysis: dowry death, cruelty by husband or relatives, kidnapping and abduction, rape and assault on women. Employing Geographical Information Systems and spatial analysis techniques, this research scrutinizes the geographical distribution of these crimes across diverse districts of Bihar. Through meticulous examination of data from 2011 to 2022, the study aims to identify spatial and temporal variations in these crimes across the pre- and post-liquor ban periods. Spatial autocorrelation analysis utilizing Moran’s I technique is employed to unveil clustering patterns associated with specific types of CAW. Furthermore, the Getis Ord Gi* technique is utilized to discern hotspot and coldspot patterns. Overall, the findings suggest that while the liquor ban has had partial success in reducing certain types of violent crimes against women, it is not a comprehensive solution to the broader problem of gender-based violence. The persistence of rising overall CAW and the heterogeneous effects across crime categories underscore the complexity of the issue. It demonstrates that behavioural regulations can influence certain categories of crime, particularly those closely linked to alcohol consumption. However, the persistence and evolution of other crimes against women emphasize that lasting change requires structural transformation beyond regulatory bans, involving sustained social reform, institutional strengthening, and targeted regional strategies.