The city of Visakhapatnam has recorded a notable overall decline in criminal activities for the year 2025, according to the latest annual report released by the city police. The data reveals a complex picture of public safety, with significant improvements in several areas overshadowed by a sharp rise in violent crimes.
Overall Decline Masks a Troubling Surge in Violence
Police Commissioner Dr. Shanka Brata Bagchi presented the report, which shows that registered criminal cases fell from 5,921 in 2024 to 5,168 in 2025, marking a 12 per cent overall decline. This positive trend was observed across most of the 17 crime categories tracked by the police. However, this progress is marred by a worrying increase in murders and culpable homicide cases.
The city witnessed a 45 per cent jump in murders, with cases rising from 24 in 2024 to 35 in 2025. An even more alarming statistic is the 200 per cent spike in murders for gain, which increased from one case last year to three this year. This surge in lethal violence presents a significant challenge for law enforcement agencies, even as they celebrate broader success.
Significant Drops in Crimes Against Vulnerable Groups and Cybercrime
On a more encouraging note, the report highlights substantial reductions in crimes targeting women and children. Cases of crimes against women decreased by 21 per cent, dropping from 1,216 in 2024 to 951 in 2025. Similarly, crimes against children saw a dramatic 42 per cent fall, from 131 cases to just 75.
The digital domain also became safer, with cybercrime and IT Act-related cases declining by 30 per cent (from 374 to 286). Economic offences registered a 12 per cent drop. Enforcement under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act was robust, with cases falling by 27 per cent from 313 to 226. In a major crackdown, police destroyed 10,148 kg of dry cannabis and 19.3 litres of hash oil, with the total contraband valued at approximately ₹5.21 crore.
Improved Convictions and Major Transnational Rescues
The Vizag police force demonstrated enhanced effectiveness in the judicial process, achieving a significant rise in convictions. Convictions improved from 916 in 2024 to 1,166 in 2025. In a landmark judgment, convict B. Appala Raju was awarded the death penalty for the murder of six persons in 2021.
Another area of success was the reduction in cases registered under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, which fell by 40 per cent from 119 to 65. Perhaps the most commendable international operation involved the rescue of over 200 victims of human trafficking and cyber slavery. These individuals were brought back to India from Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam, underscoring the proactive role of Vizag police in tackling complex transnational crimes.
Despite the overall decline, the sharp increase in murders remains a primary concern for Commissioner Bagchi and his team. The police have indicated that intensifying preventive measures will be a key focus for law enforcement strategy in 2026.
