Crime rate up two percent in 2023 in Hyderabad Commissionerate: Kothakota Srinivas Reddy

HYDERABAD: The overall crime rate increased by two percent in 2023 when compared to 2022, according to the Hyderabad Commissionerate's annual round-up report for 2023.

While speaking to the media at the Hyderabad Commissionerate's annual round-up on Friday, Police Commissioner Kothakota Srinivas Reddy said that a total of 24,821 cases were registered in 2023 as compared to 21,795 the previous years. While property crimes increased by three percent and there was a decline in the murder cases, he said. There was a sharp rise in the sexual harassment cases against women. As many as 403 cases were registered in 2023, while it was 343 in 2022, he added.

The Hyderabad CP said that bodily offence cases were increased by 16 percent and said one of the major reasons was Assembly elections. Crimes against women increased this year, complaints received through social media were being resolved quickly, POCSO cases reduced to 12 percent and traffic police stations increased more than law and order police stations, he said.

Srinivas Reddy said that cyber crime cases increased by 11 percent compared to 2022. The cyber fraudsters looted around Rs 133 crore in various cyber crimes in 2023, while it was Rs 82 crore in 2022. Experts were roped in to create awareness on cyber security, he said. All festivals and rallies including Ganesh idol immersion and Milad-un- Nabi were conducted peacefully this year. The Assembly elections were conducted effectively and more police stations would come soon in the traffic as well, he added.

The Hyderabad CP said that a special cell was set up for the first time in the country apart from that a narcotics bureau was also set up and conferences were organised in collaboration with the Hyderabad City Security Council, he said. saying that the details of other various cases, he said that out of 13 cases this year, 13 people been sentenced to life imprisonment. Compared to last year, there was a decrease of 12 percent in crimes against children, he added.

Srinivas Reddy said this year 344 cases of financial crime were registered in Hyderabad Commissionerate and it was 292 cases in 2022. Around 63 percent of the criminals were punished and robberies increased by nine percent. The value of the loss in various cases was Rs 38 crore and 75 percent of the stolen money was recovered, he said. Apart from that 2,637 road accidents were reported in the Hyderabad Commissionerate, about 4,909 cheating cases, 262 attempted murders, 91 thefts, 79 murders, 403 rape cases and 242 kidnapping cases were reported, he added.

On New Year celebrations, the Hyderabad CP warned that strict action would be taken if the pubs and event organisers did not comply with the rules during the New Year celebrations. Appropriate action would be taken wherever drugs were supplied, he said. Reacting on postings, Srinivas Reddy said that efficient officers would be given postings and recommendation letters would not be accepted at any cost. Cases were registered against eight officials for dereliction of their duties. Out of them, seven were suspended and inquiry is continuing in various stages on 50 officials, he added.