According to the latest report from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), Kolkata has once again emerged as the safest city in India in 2022, boasting the lowest number of cognisable offences per lakh population.
The NCRB data, based on cases reported and shared by the state government, reveals that Kolkata recorded 86.5 cases of cognisable offences per lakh people. Following Kolkata, Pune (Maharashtra) ranked second with 280.7 cases, and Hyderabad (Telangana) came in third with 299.2 cases per lakh population.
Declining Cognisable Crime Rates: A Comparative Analysis of Kolkata, Pune, and Hyderabad
Cognisable offenses encompass incidents registered under sections of the Indian Penal Code and Special and Local Laws. It is noteworthy that the general crime rate has seen a decline in comparison to the preceding year. For instance, in 2021, Kolkata recorded 103.4 instances of cognisable crimes per lakh people, while this year, the figure has reduced by more than 16% to 86.5. Likewise, Pune and Hyderabad also documented a decrease in reported crimes last year, with figures standing at 256.8 and 259.9 cases per lakh population, respectively.
Safety Triumph: Kolkata’s Ranking, Policing Initiatives, and Societal Contributions
These rankings were determined by comparing Kolkata against 18 other cities with populations exceeding two million. Currently, the Kolkata Police oversee 83 police stations, including nine women police stations, two cyber crime police stations, and STF. The force is in the process of establishing at least nine additional police stations in Bhangar.
A senior police officer attributed Kolkata’s top ranking to the collective efforts of law enforcement personnel, expressing that it boosts the confidence of those working tirelessly to ensure the city’s safety. The NCRB report, titled “Crime in India 2022,” is based on data from 36 states, Union Territories, and central agencies. Notably, this year’s report has been delayed by at least five months, usually being made public in July or August annually. Ranjit Sur of the Association for the Protection of Democratic Rights (APDR) commented on the findings, suggesting that societal factors, rather than government or law enforcement, play a significant role in crime reduction, emphasizing the impact of conscious citizens resisting organized crimes.
