In a commendable achievement, Kolkata has once again been declared the safest city in India, marking its third consecutive year at the pinnacle, according to the latest report published by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). The eastern metropolis stood out by recording the lowest number of cognisable offences per lakh population among major cities.
The NCRB data disclosed that Kolkata reported a mere 86.5 cases of cognisable offences per lakh people in 2022, showcasing a continuous improvement from the previous years. Following Kolkata, Pune (280.7) and Hyderabad (299.2) secured the second and third positions, respectively.
Cognisable crimes, falling under sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Special and Local Laws (SLL), were meticulously considered for the rankings. Kolkata's performance in this aspect has been particularly notable, with a decrease from 103.4 cases per lakh population in 2021 to 86.5 in 2022, and a significant drop from 129.5 in 2020.
ALSO READ: Shah Rukh Khan's Dunki Will Be A Perfect Year-Ender! Explained Inside
While the evaluation encompassed 19 cities boasting populations exceeding 20 lakh, Kolkata reaffirmed its unwavering status as the safest among its peers. Nevertheless, the report brought to light a worrisome surge in crimes against women in the city, witnessing an increase from 1,783 cases in 2021 to 1,890 in 2022. Kolkata's crime rate against women, standing at 27.1 per lakh population, surpassed that of Coimbatore (12.9) and Chennai (17.1).
Despite this disconcerting rise, Kolkata experienced a downturn in violent crimes, marked by a reduction in murder cases from 45 in the previous year to 34 in 2022. Notably, the city maintained an unaltered count of 11 reported rape cases in both 2021 and 2022. This nuanced shift in crime dynamics underscores the complex landscape of safety and security in the vibrant metropolis. ALSO CHECKOUT: Weaving Tradition: 8 Must-Have Indian Handloom Sarees In Your Wardrobe
The NCRB's comprehensive report, titled 'Crime in India 2022,' drew upon data collected from 36 states, Union territories, and central agencies. Kolkata's consistent recognition as the safest city underscores its commitment to maintaining law and order, despite the challenges posed by certain crime categories.