What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
Kolkata, the City of Joy, has been declared the safest city in India for the third consecutive year, according to the latest data released by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). The NCRB report, titled “Crime in India 2022,” shows that Kolkata reported 86.5 cases of cognisable offences per lakh people, a significant drop from 103.4 in 2021. Kolkata also witnessed a decrease in violent crimes, reporting 34 murder cases in 2022 compared to 45 in the previous year. Kolkata’s achievement is commendable, especially when compared to other major cities in India. Following Kolkata in the rankings were Pune with a rate of 280.7 and Hyderabad with 299.2, highlighting Kolkata’s notable lead in safety.
However, a closer look at the NCRB data reveals that Kolkata’s safety record is not as rosy as it seems. The data also shows that crimes against women in Kolkata saw an increase, rising from 1,783 cases in 2021 to 1,890 cases in 2022, indicating a concerning trend. As many as 997 rapes, 110 dowry deaths, 1,840 assaults with intent to outrage modesty, and 326 harassment cases were recorded — with over half of the victims aged below 30. The data also shows that in most cases, offenders were known to the victims (family, neighbours, or partners).
Kolkata’s safety record is also tarnished by the post-poll violence that erupted in the state after the 2021 West Bengal Legislative Assembly election, which the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) won for a third consecutive term. The violence, which lasted for several weeks, claimed at least 12 lives and injured hundreds of others. The BJP alleged that its party workers and supporters were targeted by the TMC functionaries for supporting the party. The TMC dismissed the charge with a counter-claim that the BJP workers attacked its party functionaries. The violence also affected the common people, who faced intimidation, extortion, vandalism, and arson. The violence also exposed the failure of the law and order machinery, as the police and the administration were either complicit or helpless in preventing and controlling the situation.
Kolkata’s safety record is also contrasted by the dismal situation in Delhi, the national capital, which reported the highest crime rate among the 19 cities, with 1,050.4 cases of cognisable offences per lakh people. Delhi also recorded the highest number of crimes against women, with 14,000 reported cases in 2022, averaging three rapes a day. Delhi also witnessed a surge in cyber crimes, kidnapping, abduction, and murder. Delhi’s crime rate reflects the poor governance, accountability, and coordination of the various agencies responsible for maintaining law and order in the city. Delhi’s crime rate also reflects the socio-economic and cultural factors that contribute to the insecurity and vulnerability of the people, especially women, in the city.
Kolkata’s safety record is a matter of pride and inspiration for the entire nation. It shows that it is possible to create a peaceful and harmonious society, where people can live without fear and insecurity. However, it also poses a challenge for the city and the state to address the gaps and shortcomings that still exist in the law and order situation, especially about crimes against women and post-poll violence. Kolkata also needs to learn from the mistakes and failures of Delhi and avoid the pitfalls that have made the capital a crime hub. Kolkata needs to strive for a more comprehensive and holistic approach to safety, that encompasses not only the prevention and detection of crimes but also the protection and empowerment of the people, especially the vulnerable sections of the society.
