In 2023, the Hyderabad city police recorded a total of 24,821 cases, showing a slight rise from the previous year's 24,220 cases in overall crime. The city witnessed a two per cent increase in the crime rate, primarily driven by a significant surge in cybercrimes, financial frauds, and crimes against women.
Hyderabad police commissioner Kothakota Sreenivasa Reddy announced the release of the 2023 annual report, stating that despite the overlapping festivals, the city experienced a peaceful year. Notably, major events such as Formula-E and the Telangana State Assembly elections took place. Commissioner Reddy highlighted a significant 20% increase in the conviction rate, which is a positive development for the city. In 2023, a total of 4,465 cases were convicted, compared to 3,705 cases in 2022.
Photo: X/ Hyderabad Police
Srinivas Reddy commended the peaceful organization of various festivals, rallies, and assembly elections. "This year, we successfully conducted all the festivals and rallies, including the assembly elections, peacefully. It was a rare occurrence to have the Ganesh immersion festival and Milad un Nabi coincide, but with the support of religious leaders, we were able to ensure a peaceful celebration," he stated.
Reduction in POCSO cases
Furthermore, the report highlighted a surge in complaints received via social media, with prompt resolutions being implemented. Despite a 9% increase in robberies, there was a notable 12% decrease in POCSO cases. Throughout the year, there were 79 reported murders, 403 instances of rape, 242 kidnappings, and 4,909 cases of cheating. Additionally, there were 2,637 road accidents, 262 attempted murders, and 91 thefts. It was reported that 75% of lost property was successfully recovered, and 63% of criminals faced legal consequences, including 13 individuals receiving life imprisonment. The estimated total damage across various cases amounted to Rs. 38 crores.
Crimes against women increase by 12%
In 2023, there was a 12% increase in the number of crimes against women, with 2,775 more cases compared to the previous year's 2,484 cases. Additionally, the number of reported rape cases rose by 19%, with 403 cases in 2023 compared to 336 cases in 2022.
Another insight of the report stated that in 2023, the commissioner reported that there were 24,821 cases registered under IPC, SLL, and other laws, compared to 24,220 cases in 2022. He mentioned that bodily crimes saw a 16% increase, with 2,537 cases compared to last year's 2,181, and one of the contributing factors was the elections. The most significant rise was observed in grave bodily crime cases, which saw a 39% increase. In 2022, 368 cases were registered, while in 2023, there were 513 cases.
Also, in 2023, the number of murders decreased slightly to 63, down from 79 in 2022. However, attempts to murder saw an increase from 213 cases in 2022 to 262 in 2023. Additionally, there was a rise in economic offences and cybercrime cases, which included online frauds and deep fakes.
Increase in road accidents
This year, the number of vehicles has risen by 16,150, reaching a total of 3,849,841 vehicles, compared to last year's 3,833,691 vehicles. A total of 37,866 cases of drunken driving were reported, resulting in 3,782 imprisonments and 556 suspended driving licenses. Additionally, a fine of Rs 91 lakhs was imposed. In 2023, there was a 14.5 per cent increase in road accidents, with 2,312 cases and 280 deaths, compared to 2,018 cases in 2022.
Following a Non-political approach
Srinivas Reddy discussed the matter of police assignments, making it clear that requests for specific assignments through recommendation letters would not be considered. He highlighted the importance of keeping only capable officers on duty and emphasized a non-political approach to assigning assignments. It is worth mentioning that eight individuals involved in criminal activities and neglecting their duties have been officially charged, and seven of them are facing suspension from their positions. Furthermore, there are currently 50 individuals under investigation, he added.
Additionally, the Police Commissioner has released a warning, urging everyone to wrap up their New Year celebrations by 1 am. Strict measures will be implemented if any rules are broken. Furthermore, severe consequences will be faced by anyone involved if drugs are found in pubs and bars.
In the year 2023, the city witnessed the installation of 30 additional pelican signals and the procurement of 1,000 new VHF sets to improve the internal communication network. The commissioner proudly announced the installation of 571 community CCTV cameras, 15,105 Nenu saitham CCTV cameras, and 974 safe city project cameras throughout the city.
(With Input from the agencies)
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