THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Reports indicate a concerning rise in criminal cases, including POCSO cases, in Kerala. The latest data reveals an increase of 5,101 cases reported till November 2023 compared to the 2022.
Between January and November 2023, a total of 2,40,959 cases were reported in Kerala. Statistical analyses attribute alcohol, illegal drugs, and other intoxicants as the primary factors contributing to these crimes. 4,345 domestic cases were reported by November 2023.
While 8,307 fraud/cheating cases were recorded in 2022, the number surged to 10,393 by November 2023.
Cases registered for attempt to murder rose from 700 in 2022 to 918 till November 2023. Physical assault cases increased from 17,174 in November 2022 to 17,713 cases until November 2023, as per police records.
There are expectations of a further surge in 2023, especially with pending cases related to the ‘Nava Kerala Sadas’ campaign programmes.
Research suggests that decreasing arrests of political criminals contribute to the escalating crime rates in Kerala.
Furthermore, despite an annual report of over 2000 POCSO cases, the punishment rate remains below 16 percent. Failures in case registration, evidence collection, and lapses in police investigations are cited as primary reasons for this low rate of punishments.
The Kerala State Human Rights Commission has urged the Kerala government to prevent a decline in the punishment rate. Recent controversies arose when accusers arrested in certain POCSO cases were acquitted by the Court by citing police’s failure in the investigation and the submission of evidence.
Meanwhile, opposition party leaders and BJP members have accused the Home Ministry, stating that the state’s law and order situation has completely deteriorated, alleging that the Kerala Chief Minister is fostering criminal activities.
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