1 Murder And 1 Rape Every Two Days- Are You Really Safe In Mumbai?

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, Republic of (Free-Press-Release.com) November 24, 2010 -- On the second anniversary of Mumbai's worst nightmare, the questions still remain: Is Mumbai really safe? Are the Mumbai police given due credit for their efforts? Today, Praja Foundation released a report on crime in the city over a two year period that should become a clarion call for the citizens, the elected representatives and the police. Praja Foundation also announced the launch of its on-ground petition campaign for Mumbai citizen's security and police force reforms.

This latest report obtained by Praja Foundation, through the RTI Act for the period April 2008- March 2010, reveals that every month there are 560 registered cases of theft; 362 for cars stolen; 241 for house breaking; 19 for murders; 15 for rapes. The report also has data on the distribution of police personnel in Mumbai's police stations and a comparison of related questions being asked by the MLAs who are primarily constitutionally ‘accountable’ for maintaining law and order in the in the city .

“Sadrakshanaya Khalanigrahanaya: protect the good and punish the evil. These words are mentioned in small print beneath the emblem of the Mumbai Police." says Nitai Mehta, founder trustee of Praja Foundation. “But how can the police do their job if they are not even equipped with few of the basic amenities mandated for them?” Mehta asked.

There are 89 police stations in the city. The total number of FIRs registered in these police stations from 2008-09 and 2009-10 shows a decrease over the last two years. But, South Mumbai and North Central Mumbai show significant increases. South Mumbai has an increase of 103 FIRs, while North Central Mumbai has a dramatic rise of 489 FIRs. However, the majority of areas showed an average decrease of 82 FIRs from 2008-09 to 2009-10 with North Mumbai showing the most significant drop in FIRs from 4479 in 2008-09 to 4289 in 2009-10.

The report also shows the number of police personnel allocated to these 89 police stations of Mumbai. South Mumbai has shortage of police personnel by 403 followed by North Mumbai having 249, North West Mumbai by 227, North Central Mumbai 147 and South Central Mumbai by 140. Only North East Mumbai is showing an excess of 36 police personnel. Does this directly correspond to the increase or decrease in crime rate?

According to the data, South Mumbai has 25 police stations and the highest number of murders (90), house breakings (1114), and thefts (3037) on record. The report also presents the average occurrences of crime across Mumbai in one month period. According to the data the crimes that occur most frequently within a period of one month are theft (560), vehicle theft (362), and house breaking (241). While molestation registered were 13 per month. Molestation in South Mumbai has also increased significantly.

The data reveals that per month there is a daily average of 8 house breakings, 5 chain snatchings, 18 thefts, 5 accidents, and 12 vehicles thefts per day. "These statistics are shocking but sadly true. Approximately one murder and one rape occur every two days in the city." states Mehta. The report further uncovers the questions related to crime raised by MLAs in their constituencies. The MLAs in North Mumbai have asked the maximum number of questions compared to other constituencies. Totally, they have asked 1240 questions on crime in the city and state and 75 for crime in Mumbai. North Mumbai has also shown the most significant drop in FIR's over the two year period.

The MLA's of North Central Mumbai have little to show. As they have only asked 240 questions, of which 234 have been asked by Prakash Sawant (MLA elect from the constituency), and a total of only 13 of crime related issues in Mumbai. The constituency has also seen a dramatic rise in the number of FIRs from 2008 to 2010.

Many questions can be raised from this analysis and keeping all these details in mind, Praja Foundation is launching a petition campaign for the citizens of Mumbai. This petition will address issues of police force reforms- Are we providing our police with the right kind of equipment and facilities? Is Mumbai a really safe city to live in?

Since South Mumbai has recorded the highest crime rate, the campaign will begin in this part of the city on Monday, 29th November. Praja volunteers will be posted in various locations handing out the petition for Mumbaiites to sign. The campaign will be launched with Praja's mascot, BIGGY. At the end of the campaign, the signed petitions will be submitted to the Home Minister. "At Praja we aim at empowering citizens to participate in the governing process, through this on-ground petition campaign, we wish to generate that active participation and hope to see a positive change in Mumbai." states Nitai Mehta.

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