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Nagpur: A recent response to a Right to Information (RTI) query has unveiled a concerning trend of escalating crime rates in Nagpur, the Second Capital of Maharashtra. The data provided by the Nagpur police, spanning from 2021 to the first quarter of 2024, paints a grim picture of rising criminal activities across various categories.
According to the information disclosed in response to RTI activist Abhay Kolarkar’s inquiry, Nagpur has witnessed a worrying surge in crime, with an average of 844 incidents reported monthly, marking the highest rate since 2021.
In the first three months of 2024 alone, 2,534 crimes have been recorded in the city. This figure starkly contrasts with the previous years, where 9,999 crimes were registered in 2023, 8,232 in 2021, and 7,796 in 2022. Of particular concern is the noticeable increase in murders, with 20 reported between January and March 2024, and a staggering 79 cases in 2023.
Moreover, instances of sexual violence, including rape and molestation, have shown a troubling upward trajectory. In 2023, Nagpur witnessed 263 cases of rape against women, averaging 22 cases per month. However, in the first quarter of 2024, 72 cases have already been reported, translating to an average of 24 cases monthly. Similarly, cases of molestation have surged, with 114 incidents reported in the first three months of 2024, averaging 38 cases per month, compared to 506 cases in 2023, averaging 42 cases per month.
The escalation of riots, despite heightened police presence due to the Lok Sabha general elections, further underscores the deteriorating law and order situation. In 2023, 115 riot cases were registered, averaging 10 per month. However, within the first three months of 2024, 40 cases have been recorded, averaging 13 per month.
These revelations signify a pressing need for comprehensive measures to address the root causes of crime and enhance public safety in Nagpur. It is imperative for law enforcement authorities and policymakers to collaborate effectively in implementing proactive strategies aimed at curbing criminal activities and ensuring the well-being of the city’s residents.
