Vizag: How Disha App, geo-mapping helped in reducing crime against women by 30%

Crime against women and children has dropped by 30 percent in Vizag in 2022.

A total of 1,318 cases of crime against women were registered in 2022. The number was 1,867 in 2021. The domestic violence cases recorded in 2022 were 718. Last year it was 1,093. Harassment cases dropped to 376 in 2022 from 436 in 2021. The reported rape cases were 125 in 2022. Last year the number was 167. A total of 121 cases of crime against children were reported in 2022. The number was 142 in 2021.

City police chief Ch Srikanth said visible policing, effective use of the Disha App, geo mapping of sensitive areas, surveillance by women police, and counseling in family disputes led to an overall decrease in the crime against women.

"Vigorous campaigns were conducted in schools and colleges to create awareness among the children and the teaching faculty. We have kept police personnel near bus stops, public places, crowded places, and few other places for the safety of the children," he added.

Overall, Vizag city witnessed 10,834 cases in 2022, a decrease of 24 percent. In 2021, 14,315 cases were registered.

Regarding murders, Srikanth said that Vizag city witnessed 38 murders in 2022. The number was 37 in 2021. Of the total 38 murders, 10 were the result of sudden provocation, 8 were due to illicit affairs, seven were due to family disputes, five were due to old enmity and four were alcohol-induced crimes, he added.

However, property offences have increased in the city in 2022. A total of 847 cases were reported in 2022. The number was 788 last year. The offenders stole Rs 5.54 crore in 2022 and the police managed to recover Rs 3.26 crore.

He said the conviction rate was 52 percent. The city police chief said the trial was completed in 8,466 cases in 2022. Of them, 4,398 were convicted by different courts and the punishment ranged from two years to 20 years of imprisonment, he added.