Punjab slipped to second position in India in terms of deaths caused due to over dose. The state however, continue to lead in the country regarding drug trafficking cases. The stats were released by India's  National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).

The report shows that Punjab, which had topped the list for the previous three consecutive years, has now moved to second place. Southern state Tamil Nadu recorded the highest number of overdose deaths at 313, while Punjab reported 106 fatalities.

Although the figure marks an increase from 89 overdose deaths reported last year, it remains lower than the 117 deaths recorded in 2022.

Neighbouring regions also reported drug-related deaths, including 31 in Himachal Pradesh, seven in Chandigarh and four in Jammu and Kashmir.

Despite slipping to second place in overdose fatalities, Punjab continues to lead the country in drug trafficking cases. According to the NCRB data, police registered 6,060 drug trafficking cases in the state — the highest number nationwide.

Painting a grim picture of the state as far as the law and order is concerned, Punjab also ranked first in the country for incidents of snatchings and street robberies.  The report further noted 33 deaths linked to illicit liquor consumption and 48 incidents involving escapes from custody or jail facilities.

Despite the introduction of specialised forces like Sark Surakhya Force (SSF) for saving the lives of road accident victims, road  accidents continue to be a major issue, with an average of 13 deaths reported daily across Punjab.

The NCRB report highlighted several additional social and public safety concerns facing the state. 

In the agricultural sector, 90 farmers died by suicide during the reporting period, most of them landowners, the report stated.

Crimes against women and children also remain a significant concern. Authorities registered 2,430 cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) and 558 rape cases during the year.

Punjab also recorded one of the country’s highest crime rates, ranking second nationally with 29 cases per 100,000 population, according to the NCRB data.