Assam has experienced a near 50% reduction in crime rate since 2021. This is according to an official report (“The Crime in India for the Year 2022” published by NCRB) released on December 1, 2023. (Pl see Box)
The report immediately brought in a response from Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma. “Our efforts in transparent recruitment and investments in SMART policing are bearing fruit. We will not rest till Assam is crime-free.”
Significantly, cases of corruption registered in Assam have witnessed a sharp increase in 2022 compared to the two previous years. The State reported 57 cases under the Prevention of Corruption Act and related sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) this year, while the number was 16 both in 2020 and 2021.
Among those registered last year, 50 were trap cases in which Government officials were caught red-handed while accepting bribes. The other cases were related to disproportionate assets (four cases) and criminal misconduct (three cases).
Altogether, 58 people were arrested in these cases last year, and chargesheets were submitted against 45 accused. While two persons were convicted, none of the accused was discharged in these cases, according to NCRB data. One person was acquitted and two were imprisoned or handed major punishment, though no accused was dismissed or removed from service.
On disposal of cases by Anti-Corruption, Vigilance and Lokayukta under the Prevention of Corruption Act and related sections of IPC, data revealed that 109 cases were pending investigation from the previous year.
Further, authorities have lodged 1,447 cases for violations of Information Technology and Intellectual Property-related acts in Assam last year, while 3,073 cases were registered under various liquor and narcotic drugs-related laws.
During the year, 1,082 people were killed in 1,072 murder incidents. A total of 195 people died in 175 dowry-related cases in 2022, the NCRB data said.
The Assam Chief Minister also said that the positive trend in diminishing crime rates has continued into 2023. “Strong and uncompromising policing is the reason for this decline in crime rate; there is no alternative to strong policing. If we can maintain this robust policing for three years, Assam will be a paradise,” he said. Dr. Sarma emphasised that the set of data marks the first instance of an overall crime reduction in Assam since 1979, underscoring the Government’s commitment to perpetuating this feat.
The latest NCRB data indicate a substantial decrease in crime and showcases Assam’s remarkable ascent from 9th place in 2021 to 20th place in the number of crimes reported in India. Dr Sarma expressed satisfaction with this significant improvement, hailing it as “real good news” for the State.
DGP Gyanendra Pratap Singh said that the Assam Police is committed to fulfilling the dreams and aspirations of the people of Assam under the leadership of Dr. Sarma.
“Crystal clear directions and mandate, accompanied by trust reposed in us has made this possible. We strive to improve further,” said the DG of Assam Police.
