Most crimes in outer Delhi: report

NEW DELH: Neighbourhoods in outer Delhi reported the highest number of murders, attempt to murders, rapes, molestation, kidnapping, burglary, accident and extortion in 2017-18, stated a report released by Praja Foundation Thursday.

The report, that sourced the figures through RTI applications, data from National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) and Delhi Police website, also states the outer district has been on top of the list in reporting murders, kidnapping, abduction, burglary and fatal accidents for the four consecutive years now.

The director of Praja Foundation, Milind Mhaske, said of the total number of kidnapping and abduction cases registered in 2017-18, 65% and 63% of the victims were women, respectively.

Mhaske said apart from increasing crimes, data reveals that there is shortage of personnel in Delhi Police. As of March 2018, Delhi Armed Police Force had a staff shortage of 13%. Nitai Mehta, founder and managing trustee of Praja, said such shortage directly affects investigations and law and order.

Delhi police spokesperson Madhur Verma said, “Socio-economic factors and vicinity to borders provide easy interstate movement to criminals. We have divided the district for better policing and have added more manpower.”

The Praja Foundation also carried out a household survey of 28,624 respondents across Delhi. The survey revealed that 40% of the respondents do not feel secure in Delhi whereas 50% feel that Delhi is not secure for women, children and senior citizens. Of 46% of the respondents who reported crime to police, only 32% were satisfied with police response.