Pune experienced a sharp increase in violent crimes in 2024 compared to the previous two years, according to data released by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) on Wednesday. Although the city's overall case figures remained lower than those of some major metropolitan areas, the upward trend has sparked concerns among residents and experts about the growing frequency of serious offences.
Key Statistics
The NCRB data revealed that Pune recorded 3,573 cases of violent crimes in 2024, a significant jump from 2,296 cases in 2023 and 2,417 cases in 2022. This represents an increase of over 55% from the previous year.
Definition and Categories
Violent crimes, as classified by the NCRB, encompass 17 different types of offences, including murder, attempt to murder, causing hurt or grievous hurt, rioting, arson, kidnapping and abduction, robbery, and rape. Experts note that the majority of these fall under crimes against the human body, often referred to as bodily offences, and such incidents tend to rise when there is a perception that the law is not strictly enforced.
Comparison with Other Metro Cities
Among metro cities with a population exceeding 20 lakh, Mumbai recorded the highest number of cases related to causing hurt and grievous hurt under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Indian Penal Code (IPC), with 4,797 cases. Pune ranked second with 3,624 such cases, while Bengaluru stood third with 2,693 cases.
Expert Analysis
Lawyer Asim Sarode attributed the rise in violent crime to multiple factors, including the prevailing model of development that centralizes education and economic growth hubs, as well as challenges in maintaining law and order. He stated, "Political protection to criminals, selective implementation of the law, and action only against certain individuals are among the key reasons behind the rise in crime. When offenders do not face strict action, they tend to repeat crimes, and this eventually leads to declining respect for the police in society."
Sarode further emphasized that the fear of law and strict punishment is crucial in deterring such offences. The data underscores a pressing need for effective policing and judicial measures to curb the escalating trend of violent incidents in Pune.
