In a testament to its commitment to safety and security, Kolkata has once again clinched the coveted title of India’s safest city for the third successive year. The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report, highlighting cognisable offences across metropolises, affirmed Kolkata’s consistent record as the city with the lowest count of such crimes per lakh population.
The eastern metropolis, renowned for its cultural heritage, reported a commendable decrease in cognisable offences, with a count of 86.5 per lakh people in 2022. This marked a significant decline from its 2021 count of 103.4 and an even more substantial drop from 2020’s figure of 129.5.
Following Kolkata’s lead were Pune (280.7) and Hyderabad (299.2), ranking notably higher in the NCRB’s assessment of crime rates across cities.
Cognisable crimes encompass those for which cases are registered under sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Special and Local Laws (SLL). Kolkata’s consistently low figures in this regard have positioned it as a beacon of safety among major Indian cities.
However, the report highlighted an increase in crimes against women in Kolkata, with the number of reported cases rising from 1,783 in 2021 to 1,890 in 2022. This elevation placed Kolkata’s crime rate against women at 27.1 per lakh population, surpassing Coimbatore’s 12.9 and Chennai’s 17.1.
Despite this concerning trend, Kolkata witnessed a decline in violent crimes, notably reporting only 34 murder cases, down from 45 in the previous year. The city recorded consistent numbers in reported rape cases, maintaining 11 incidents in both 2021 and 2022.
The NCRB’s comprehensive report, titled ‘Crime in India 2022,’ draws from data collected across 36 states, Union territories, and central agencies. Kolkata’s triumph as the safest city for three consecutive years underscores its sustained efforts toward ensuring the safety and security of its residents amidst evolving societal dynamics.
Sources By Agencies