1.88 lakh crimes reported in 2013; 3.55 lakh cases pending in courts.
Hyderabad: The overall crime rate in the state increased with 1.88 lakh cognisable offences reported in 2013 as against 1.65 lakh in 2012.
During the year, Rs 1,844 crore were looted either by property offenders such as burglars, robbers or by economic offenders. Also, around 3.55 lakh cases are pending trial in courts.
According to director-general of police B. Prasada Rao, 90 per cent of the Rs 1,844 crore was lost in economic offences. Around 40,384 road mishaps took place in 2013, an increase of 6.45 per cent, and Cyberabad topped in deaths with 3,335 causalities.
“We are trying to take measures to prevent road accidents by controlling speed on the highways. Also engineering defects of roads are being rectified. Rash and negligent driving and drunk driving are the reasons for the road mishaps,” said Rao.
On the other hand, offences by left-wing extremists decreased by 35 per cent in the state.
Around 163 Naxals were arrested and 76 surrendered. Rao said, “Maoist movement may be revived again in the state so we are taking all measures. District Special Forces are being strengthened and we are using Greyhounds wherever necessary.”
Around 500 CCTVs will soon be available in the city under the AP Public Safety Measures Enforcement Bill.
Meanwhile, cyber crimes also increased in the state. Also 386 case of human trafficking were reported.
Police arrested 778 traffickers and 558 victims and rescued 11 minors.
Under the SC ST Prevention of Atrocities Act, 791 cases were reported in 2013. DGP Rao said there were no false cases registered under the Act.
“The Marine police checked around 3,200 boats during 10,000 hours of patrolling along the AP coast. There are 21 police stations and we have arrested 91 Sri Lankan fishermen who entered Indian waters, and seized 17 boats,” added Rao.
2013 most unsafe year for women
Sexual assaults against women, including rape, have increased in the state.
Molestations went up by 47 per cent, cases of harassment by 16 per cent and rape by 20 per cent in 2013.
According to the state police, around 1,434 rapes and 5,634 cases of “outraging the modesty of a woman” were reported in the state till November this year.
Kidnappings and abductions of women have increased as well, indicating that 2013 was the most unsafe year for women in the state.
DGP B. Prasada Rao accounted for the increased number of cases by saying that previously cases of crimes against women were booked only after verification, whereas now there is compulsory registration of FIRs on a complaint.
“Sexual assaults are rising. The kidnappings and abductions of women are also up by 18 per cent,” Rao said.
In 2011, around 23,900 crimes against women were reported. In 2012 the number of crimes rose to 24,488 and in 2013, to 25,998.
