It's bad news for Chief Minister Nitish Kumar as crime figures in Bihar have recorded an increase even as he completes one year in office on Friday.

According to the CID data, more crimes have been committed in Bihar in 2006 than in the previous five years. This challenges Kumar's primary agenda, which was to restore law and order in the state.

According to the CID record, about 81,901 crimes were registered in Bihar from January to September 2006  in comparison to 80,049 cases in 2005. Kidnapping cases also recorded an increase in 2006 at 1,761 cases, compared to 1,697 in 2005.

Similarly, 787 rape cases were reported this year, while in 2005, 739 were reported.

Soon after assuming office last year, Kumar's first statement was that he would make Bihar crime-free within three months. He admitted now that this has become his greatest challenge.

Leader of opposition, Rabri Devi, has questioned Kumar's claims - "What kind of good governance is he talking about, when 90,000 crimes -- including 24,000 murders and over 7500 kidnappings -- have been recorded?"