The latest white paper released by Praja Foundation on thestate of crime in Mumbai city presents a rather black picture. Data revealsthat while law and order situation has remained more or less the same for thepast few years, investigation, crime-solving, trail and conviction and heinouscrimes leave a lot to be desired. Specific crimes like rape, molestation,accidents and stolen vehicles have grown consistently and road accidents havedoubled.
While cases of theft and murder dropped between 2008 and2012, crimes against women have shot up. As per figures released, between2008-9 and 2011-12, cases of rape increased by 7 per cent and molestation by 34per cent. While cases of vehicle stolen during the period increased by 14 percent, there has been an increase of 100 per cent in accidents/fatal accidents.
The data sourced through RTI queries also show that NorthCentral Mumbai, comprising Vile Parle, Kurla and Bandra, was found to be mostunsafe for women, children and senior citizens. Sadly, the MLAs representingthis area have asked lowest number of questions on crime (65) in the stateassembly between April 2011 and March 2012.
“It is indeed shocking to learn that of 1,61,528 cases gone into trail, acquittal rate was ashocking 83 per cent, says Nitai Mehta, founder trustee, Praja Foundation, thatreleased the white paper.
The data reveals that of this, 44,874 cases were seriousoffences that went into trail during the period. Judgment was pronounced inonly 3,275 cases. Conviction was made only in 335 cases, while 90 percentprosecution cases (a total of 3,275 cases) were acquitted.
Out of total 71,425 cases filed in Mumbai during 2011-2012,18 percent (12,762) of the total of 71,425 cases are related to seriousoffences. Of this, only 45 percent (5,772) cases were sent for trial and restare pending investigation. Out of those that went for trial only 10 percent gotconviction worth the crime committed.
Severe staff shortage of sanctioned police strength anddiversion of staff for ‘bandobast or nakabandi duties’ is affecting operation of work and leading to overburden of workfor the existing workforce, according to the white paper.
in association with Governance Now
