In order to ensure foolproof detection and prosecution, especially in cases of crime against women, Lieutenant-Governor Anil Baijal on Wednesday directed the Delhi Police to focus on collecting scientific evidence in a systematic and time-bound manner.
The directions were issued at a review meeting on the city’s law and order situation, which was chaired by the L-G. The meeting was attended by the chief secretary, principal secretary (Home), the Commissioner of Police, Special CPs and Joint CPs.
While discussing patterns, trends and possible causes of crime, the L-G directed the force to make its website more interactive and user-friendly.
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“The Delhi Police informed that various initiatives such as zero-tolerance for non-registration on account of jurisdictional issues; online registration of crime through e-FIR and mobile apps among others had encouraged the residents of Delhi to report any crime in a hassle-free manner,” the Raj Niwas said in a statement.
One of the most important factors for increase in crime, the police submitted, was the change in demography and ease of reporting the crime even as there had been a “sharp decline” in heinous crimes due to what it termed as “continuous and comprehensive” steps with innovative methodologies.
Mr. Baijal was informed that the total cases of heinous crimes, including murder, rape, riot, dacoity ,etc., reported till November 15 this year was 5,581 — a 24% decline compared to the 7,347 such cases reported in the same period last year.
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Solve percentage
The police added that the case solved percentage had jumped by 85% to 68.98% reflecting improved detection rates. The solved percentage of non-heinous crimes has risen by 31% to 24.57%.
“The L-G directed that the quality of investigation, especially in cases related to women, be improved with higher focus on collection of scientific evidence in a systematic and time-bound manner, so as to ensure fool-proof detection and prosecution,” the statement said.
According to Raj Niwas, the L-G also advised the force to analyse the emerging trends on a regular basis and make the website and its apps more interactive so as to have transparent and robust feedback from the people.
Mr. Baijal, as per the statement, appreciated the efforts made by the police force to nab criminals engaged in organised crime and hitting illegal arms and ammunitions.
He also stated that the ultimate endeavour should be to strike at the root of the supply and demand chain so that the sale of such illegal arms can be effectively curbed.
The L-G also advised the Delhi Police to work on systemic reforms that not only bring about a significant impact on prevention of crimes through community outreach and robust surveillance, but also enhance the quality of investigation and prosecution, ensuring that those who commit crimes are punished swiftly and appropriately.