NCJ Number
100316
Journal
Indian Journal of Criminology Volume: 13 Issue: 2 Dated: (July 1985) Pages: 121-131
Date Published
1985
Length
11 pages
Annotation
On the basis of official records and interviews, this study examined homicide trends in a political subdivision of a State in northern India between 1970 and 1980.
Abstract
The total population of this area in 1981 was approximately 1,365,000; the largest city had a population of 170,000. Almost 80 percent of the population lives in rural areas. In 1970, none of the 23 homicides occurred in the city, while in 1980, 6 of 42 homicides did. The overall rate of homicide per 100,000 population was 1.9 in 1975 and 3.0 in 1980. For 1975-77, major motives for homicide were petty disputes and domestic quarrels, disputes among relatives, disputes over land, and material gain. Most murderers were 24 to 40 year-old males, and a considerable percentage of victims were females. It is estimated that about 10 percent of homicides went unreported. For 1975-77, the conviction rate for homicides was about 33 percent. Extraneous factors, rather than innocence, are thought to account for this high acquittal rate. In some cases witnesses were hired, family loyalties resulted in some witnesses' refusing to testify, and in others witnesses perjured themselves because of fear of revenge. The rising homicide rate in this community between 1970 and 1980 is discussed in terms of a subculture of interpersonal violence, poverty, situational and victim-precipitated aggression, and social disorganization associated with cultural change. Some comparisons with homicide rates in other countries are made. 2 tables and 28 notes and references.