According to the latest report released by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), Kolkata has once again been named the safest city in India for the third consecutive year. The eastern metropolis has shown exemplary results by recording the lowest number of cognizable crimes per million inhabitants among major cities. While Kolkata reported 86.5 cases of such crimes per million people in 2022, Pune and Hyderabad reported 280.7 and 299.2 cases, respectively, according to NCRB data.
The NCRB report titled ‘Crime in India 2022’ sheds light on the steady decline in cognizable crimes in Kolkata. In 2021, the city registered 103.4 cases per million inhabitants, which decreased to 86.5 this year. Notably, a downward trend is evident from 2020, when the number was 129.5 cases per million people. This statistical decline reflects Kolkata’s proactive measures and effective law enforcement strategies.
A comparison of 19 cities with a population of over 20 lakh resulted in Kolkata being recognized as the safest, underscoring the city’s commitment to maintaining public safety, according to a report in India Today. However, the report also highlighted an increase in crimes against women in Kolkata, with cases rising from 1,783 in 2021 to 1,890 in 2022. The city’s crime rate against women was reported at 27.1 per million population, surpassing the 12, 9 in Coimbatore and 17.9 in Chennai1.
On a positive note, Kolkata witnessed a significant drop in violent crime, with murders falling from 45 in 2021 to 34 in 2022. Rape remained constant at 11 as reported in both 2021 and 2022.
NCRB’s ‘Crime in India 2022’ report draws data from 36 states and Union territories along with central agencies to provide a comprehensive overview of the crime scenario in the country.
Kolkata’s consecutive triumph as India’s safest city for the third consecutive year underscores the city’s resolute commitment to maintaining law and order. The decline in cognizable crimes and violent incidents speaks to the effectiveness of law enforcement mechanisms in Kolkata. While the increase in crimes against women is alarming, the overall safety record cements Kolkata’s position as a model city in terms of public safety. The NCRB report serves as a valuable resource that offers insight into the crime landscape across the country.
