Thaindian News

New Delhi, Jan 2 (IANS) Often dubbed the crime capital of the country, Delhi last year saw a 13 percent decline in cases of rape, robbery, riot and dacoity though the number of murders went up sharply from 467 in 2007 to 518 in 2008.“Last year, both the Indian Penal Code (IPC) crime and heinous crime were at their lowest levels since 1994,” Delhi Police Commissioner Y.S. Dadwal told reporters at his annual press meet Friday.

IPC crimes came down 13 percent from 53,244 to 46,414 in 2008 as compared to 2007. Heinous crimes like murders and attempt to murder also registered a decline of 12.13 percent in 2008 though the number of actual murders spiralled.

“An analysis of motive of murders cases reveals that 17 percent were due to sudden provocation on trivial issues, eight percent were due to old enmity, 16 percent were passion-triggered, nine percent were due to differences amongst family members and 11 percent were due to disputes over property/money matters,” Dadwal added.

The police commissioner said criminals were involved only in 10 percent of the cases.

“We have solved 84 percent of the cases and 891 accused were arrested in 2008. Last year, 78 percent of the murder cases were solved,” he said.

Asked why the Sep 30 murder of television journalist Saumya Vishwanathan could not be cracked even after months, Dadwal said: “We have developed various leads in the case and are hopeful of cracking the case soon. But I cannot give you any time frame.”

According to Delhi Police, the national capital ranks 21 among the 35 ‘mega cities’ in murder cases.

Last year, 367 cases of attempt to murder were reported against 499 cases in 2007, the commissioner revealed. Around 95 percent of the cases were solved. Only five percent of all attempt-to-murder cases had any relation to a criminal motive.

Only 21 cases of dacoity were reported last year against 33 in 2007. The cases of robbery too declined in 2008. A total of 498 robbery cases were registered against 530 in 2007. Over 1,000 people were arrested, of which 89 percent were novices.

Kidnapping for ransom, too, saw a marginal decline with 21 cases in 2008 against 24 in 2007.

“Our sustained efforts ensured that no organised gang of kidnapers has been able to operate in Delhi for the past may years,” he added.

Rape cases, too, witnessed a sharp decline of 22 percent in 2008. A total of 453 rape cases came to light in 2008 against 581 in 2007. In 2006, the figure was 599 and in 2005 it was 642.

“In 98 percent of the cases, the accused were known to the victim and had been interacting with the victims in normal course of life,” Dadwal said.

However, cases of snatching increased last year.

“A total of 1,318 cases of snatching were reported in 2008 as against 1,201 cases of the corresponding period last year. Out of the 1,208 accused arrested, 89 percent persons were first-timers,” he said.