Nagpur: The Second Capital of the State has witnessed a concerning rise in serious crimes such as murders, attempted murders, and rapes in 2024, even though the overall increase in criminal cases remains minimal. On the other hand, incidents of robbery, chain-snatching, and extortion have shown a decline, as per official records.

Crime Categorization and Statistics:

The Nagpur Police Department classifies crimes into two main categories:

1. Part 1 to 5 Crimes: Includes murders, attempted murders, robberies, dacoity, extortion, rapes, and other serious offenses.

2. Part 6 Crimes: Comprises preventive actions under laws like MCOCA, MPDA, Arms Act, NDPS, and non-cognizable offenses.

In Part 1, 10,074 cases were registered in 2024, compared to 9,999 cases in 2023, reflecting an increase of 75 cases. However, a deeper analysis reveals notable spikes in specific crimes:

• Murders: Increased by 10 cases.

• Attempted Murders: Increased by 71 cases.

• Rapes: Increased by 34 cases.

• Assaults: Increased by 185 cases.

Conversely, crimes such as dacoity, robberies, chain-snatching, and extortion have declined. The decrease in dacoity preparations—a measure often recorded when criminals are apprehended with weapons before committing a crime—is not seen as a positive indicator. Such actions, registered under IPC Section 399 (now BNS Section 310), are crucial to creating a sense of fear among offenders.

Despite the marginal 1% rise in total crimes, the police achieved a 5% improvement in the detection rate, rising from 61% in 2023 to 66% in 2024.

Increase in Burglaries and Vehicle Thefts:

Incidents of burglaries and vehicle thefts, though less violent, significantly impact public perception of law and order. People work hard to afford valuables and vehicles, only to have them stolen overnight.

• Burglaries:

• 732 cases in 2022.

• 914 cases in 2023 (+182 cases).

• 1,013 cases in 2024 (+99 cases compared to 2023).

• Vehicle Thefts:

• 1,553 cases in 2022.

• 1,809 cases in 2023 (+256 cases).

• 1,947 cases in 2024 (+138 cases compared to 2023).

Strengthening Patrolling to Tackle Crimes:

Experts emphasize the need for robust patrolling systems to curb both serious and property crimes. Efficient patrolling not only deters criminal activities but also reassures citizens about the effectiveness of law enforcement.

With a slight rise in overall crimes and notable increases in specific categories, Nagpur Police’s improved detection rate highlights progress. However, the rising incidents of burglaries and vehicle thefts call for enhanced preventive measures to ensure the safety and security of the city’s residents.