‘CRIME ON THE DECLINE’ Claims CP Amitesh Kumar
| Date :30-Dec-2023 |
Staff Reporter
Commissioner of Police (CP) Amitesh Kumar on Friday claimed a substantial decrease in overall crime rate in the city and attributed the upswing in reported theft cases to the proactive registration of mobile theft incidents rather than categorising them as missing mobile cases. The CP stated, “The apparent increase of around 1500 reported crimes over the past year is primarily due to the pro-active registration of Mobile Theft cases and subsequent successful detection and recovery efforts.” Providing a detailed overview of crime statistics spanning the last 22 years, CP Kumar said that total murders during this period amounted to 2067, with an average of 94 murders per year. However, 2023 saw a dip in the murder count, with 73 cases reported which marked a 23 per cent reduction compared to the average over the past two decades. Focusing on the positive side of policing, he remarked, “There is a sharp decline in incidents of murders, almost 23 per cent less than the average of the last 22 years.” The decline in crime wasn’t limited to murders, as the CP claimed a trend of diminishing criminal activities across various categories. “Professional policing efforts resulted in the detention of 67 criminals under the Maharashtra Prevention of Dangerous Activities (MPDA) Act in 2023. Additionally, 110 criminals faced charges under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA),” he said.
On rape and molestation cases, the CP revealed a concerning trend where nearly 99 per cent of incidents involved known persons, ranging from family members and friends to on-line acquaintances. The police, however, have taken proactive measures, including initiatives such as the ‘Police Didi’ to register offenses and address molestation cases. While addressing cases of kidnapping, the Commissioner shed light on the the registration of offences in all minor missing cases, with an impressive 95 per cent success rate in tracing and recovering victims. “The Nagpur City Police emerged as pioneers in the enforcement of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act as it detailed drug smugglers under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PITNDPS) Act, a first for Maharashtra,” claimed CP Amitesh Kumar. Moreover, the force conducted a comprehensive drive against drug peddlers, registering 423 cases in 2023, arresting 558 drug peddlers, and seizing property worth Rs 4,74,39,191/-. “The commitment to combating narcotics-related offenses was underlined by the disposal of 1200 kgs of Ganja on the occasion of International Day against Drug Abuse,” said the CP.
On the front of stolen property recovery, Nagpur City Police undertook a remarkable initiative, returning stolen property valued at more than Rs 3.78 crore to its rightful owners on the eve of Dhanteras this year. The City Police showcased a commitment to public safety by successfully conducting numerous raids against illegal animal trafficking and implementing strict actions under MPDA, with 68 detentions in 2023, marking a 203 per cent increase compared to the previous year, informed CP. Commissioner Kumar also shed light on the city’s dedication to women’s safety - initiatives such as the installation of QR codes in vulnerable locations, the revitalisation of ‘Damini Pathak’ with increased manpower, and effective coordination with various departments to enhance security measures. In response to past criticisms, the Commissioner addressed the issues of rising murders, and pointed out a significant reduction in homicides, especially during the rainy season. The CP expressed satisfaction with the overall crime situation in Nagpur, stating, “The overall crime situation in Nagpur city is very good, and there is nothing to criticise.” Addl CP Sanjay Patil, DCP Mumakka Sudarsharshan, DCP Rahul Madne, DCP Chetna Tidke, DCP Anurag Jain and others were present in the press conference.