Pune: Increase In Crime Rates After Relaxations In Lockdown

Mrunal Jadhav

Pune, October 5, 2020: After the launch of ‘Mission Begin Again’, crime rates have also increased. The rise in street crime is worrisome, with serious crimes such as murder. In the lockdown, cyber thieves have plundered the pockets of citizens who rely on online shopping.  

Murder cases

In the last ten days in the city, four murder cases have been registered. A man was found murdered near Navale bridge and his body was stuffed in a sack. A few days back, a person was attacked in Kondhwa while he was drinking alcohol. A man was killed in the Kondhwa area and a Yuva Sena office-bearer was stabbed to death at midnight on Thursday. A notorious goon was found murdered in Kharadi today.  

An increase in robberies and burglary 

Incidents of burglary have increased in the city. Two to three incidents of burglary and robbery are being reported every day. A doctor couple was robbed at gunpoint near the new Katraj tunnel. Burglary of five flats took place in Kothrud in the last three days. Incidents of vehicle theft, including burglary and robbery, are on the rise. There have been some incidents of four-wheeler theft in the last few days.  

Increase in Crimes of murder and violence observed

The crimes were expected to decline this year, due to the lockdown and subsequent restrictions. However, the number of scuffles and murders has remained the same as last year. By the end of September last year, there were 56 murder cases. The number is the same this year. As many as 790 incidents of violence had taken place till September last year. This year, it has increased to 816 incidents. Incidents of direct stabbing or sharp weapon attacks are on the rise, even for trivial reasons.  

Cyber Crimes

The number of cybercrimes has gone up significantly in the city which has caused fraud of crores of rupees. About eight thousand crimes occur in the city every year. In the first six months, more than 5,500 cybercrime cases have been registered. The growing ‘trend’ of online shopping in lockdown has increased the crime rates. 

Crimes in the last nine months

Murder: 56

Attempt to Murder: 59

Burglary: 225

Robbery: 108

Vehicle Theft: 596

Assault: 818