PANAJI
Goa Police’s monthly crime statistics have revealed that offenses like drugs and gambling were on the rise in February 2023 as compared to the corresponding month last year.
Data released by Director General of Police Jaspal Singh on Friday, also mentions a 67 per cent decline in the reported crime last month.
“There has been a 10 times increase in the Public Gambling and NDPS Act cases. A total of 184 cases of gambling were booked last month as against 16 cases in the corresponding period in 2022. Similarly, 15 drug cases were detected in the previous month compared to seven cases in February 2022,” he said.
Under various heads of crimes, Singh further revealed that 284 offenses were reported in February 2022 which has dropped to 170 cases in the last month while the detection percentage has been 79 per cent.
Against the backdrop of a sudden spike in road accidents this year, the department has stepped up enforcement with additional staff deployed to ensure adherence to traffic laws.
In a special drive launched last month, 6592 Challans were issued to the violators in the north district as compared to 4863 in the corresponding month last year. Similarly, South district police booked 7771 challans against 4662 in February 2022.
“Various Traffic Cells booked 33434 challans and collected a fine of more than Rs 2 crores in February itself,” the DGP said, adding that strict enforcement resulted in a decline in accidents by 12 per cent.
The State reported over 400 accidents in the first two months of the year resulting in over 50 deaths. Of the total accidents, self-accidents were the highest.
The Traffic Cell has already begun cracking down on reckless driving, riding without helmets, and drunken driving.
