January 3, 2025: The Police Commissionerate of Guwahati has released a comprehensive analysis of crime trends in Assam over the last five years. The data showcases significant fluctuations in crime registration, disposal rates, and major case resolutions.
Five-Year Crime Overview
From 2020 to 2024, Assam witnessed a sharp decline in crime registrations from 17,107 cases in 2020 to 7,337 in 2024. However, the pendency rate remains alarming, with 35,396 cases still unresolved. Conviction rates showed gradual improvement, increasing from 9.14% in 2020 to 26.08% in 2023.
Crime Against Property
Key property crimes, including dacoity, theft, burglary, and robbery, showed a downward trend. For instance, dacoity cases dropped from seven in 2020 to two in 2024.
2024 Highlights:
- Total property stolen: ₹19.68 crore.
- Recovery rate: 56.55%, with ₹11.12 crore worth of property retrieved.
- Significant recoveries included 3,370 mobile phones, 390 vehicles, and approximately ₹10 lakh in gold ornaments.
Crime Against Human Body
Crimes such as murder saw a marginal decline, with 52 cases in 2020 compared to 63 in 2024.
Crimes Against Women
Cases under Section 498(A) IPC reduced significantly, from 730 in 2020 to 125 in 2024. However, incidents of rape increased slightly from 39 in 2020 to 69 in 2024.
Cybercrime Surge
The Cyber Police Station in Panbazar reported an upsurge in cyber fraud cases, with 821 financial fraud complaints registered in 2024 compared to 131 in 2023. Financial recovery also improved, with ₹3.75 crore retrieved in 2024 compared to ₹5.8 lakh in 2023.
Major Breakthroughs
Key achievements of the Guwahati Police include solving high-profile murder, dacoity, and cybercrime cases. Notable cases include:
- Land Scam (2023): Police unearthed a racket manipulating land records, leading to the arrest of 165 individuals and policy changes to prevent future fraud.
- Sensational Murder Cases: Successful resolution of the Ranjit Bora murder (2022) and other high-profile crimes.
- Cyber Crime Crackdown (2023): A call center scam targeting Indian and foreign nationals was dismantled, resulting in 57 arrests.
- Child Safety: Swift action led to the recovery of abducted children and dismantling of trafficking rackets.
Focus on Public Safety
The Commissionerate’s enhanced focus on recoveries and its ability to crack complex cases demonstrate its commitment to public safety. However, the rising pendency calls for systemic improvements in investigation and judicial coordination.
The report underscores the evolving nature of crime and highlights the need for proactive measures to ensure justice and safety for all.