Telangana’s crime rate up by 22.53 per cent in 2024; over Rs 142 crore worth drugs seized

Hyderabad: The annual crime rate in Telangana increased by a sharp 22.53 per cent and police reported as many as 1,69,477 cases in 2024 as against 1,38,312 cases in 2023, said Director-General of Police (DGP) Dr Jitender on Sunday.

Crimes like murder, rape, cheating, robbery and burglary have increased in Telangana, according to the annual report released by the DGP.

4,682 persons arrested in drug cases

Speaking to the media at the police headquarters at Lakdikapul here, Jitender said that Telangana police seized drugs worth Rs 142.95 crore across the State and as many as 4,682 persons were arrested in 1,942 cases. “We are committed to making the State drug-free and several measures are being taken in this regard involving the participation from film stars, sports stars and eminent personalities to sensitize all walks of people,” he said.

Cybercrime rate rose by around 43.33 per cent

Referring to cybercrimes, the DGP said that during the year, the State’s cybercrime rate rose by around 43.33 per cent. The department registered as many as 33,618 cases and refunded Rs 180 crore to the victims who were duped by cyber fraudsters. Apart from that, the police also froze Rs 247 crore, he said and added that 1,800 URLs were blocked for their involvement in duping the public.

Maoist activity in State

"There are no significant Maoist-related operations in the State. Two people were killed in an incident after being accused of being police informants. The situation was brought under control by the police’s swift response," the DGP said and added that 85 Naxalites were arrested and 41 persons were surrendered.

Implementation of new laws

Jitender also spoke about the implementation of new laws in 2024. As many as 85,190 cases were registered under these new laws. Of them, as many as 15,630 cases were registered in Cyberabad, 10,501 in Hyderabad and 10,251 in Rachakonda Commissionerates. With the implementation of the ‘Zero FIR’ system, as many as 1,313 cases were registered through the judicial system. “Telangana is the first in the country to register the digital FIR,” he added.

On the recent tragedy at Sandhya Theatre, Jitender said that law would take its course in the case related to the death of a woman during the stampede at the premiere show of the film ‘Pushpa-2’. The top police officer, however, refused to elaborate, saying the matter is sub judice. "The case is already under investigation. The court is also looking into this. It is sub judice also. Moreover, the law will take its own course. This is what I have to say. Nothing more," the DGP said.

A 35-year-old woman died and her eight-year-old son was injured on December 4 during a stampede-like situation at the Sandhya Theatre in Hyderabad when fans jostled to have a glimpse of the actor at the premiere of the movie.

Following the incident, the city police registered a case against Allu Arjun, his security team, and the theatre management under different sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at the Chikkadpally police station based on the complaint lodged by the deceased woman's family.

A regular bail petition filed by the actor, who was named as accused no 11, has been posted by a local court to December 30. Allu Arjun was arrested on December 13 in connection with the incident and later granted interim bail by the Telangana High Court.

Phone tapping case

Reacting to a query on the ongoing phone tapping case, the DGP said that the investigation is on and a letter has been sent to the CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation). At present, efforts are being made to bring the accused to India from abroad through the support of Interpol. “It may take some more time to bring the accused (former SIB chief T Prabhakar Rao) to Hyderabad,” he said.

On police suicides, the DGP said, “Some policemen are committing suicide due to personal and family issues. It is not known whether work pressure can also be a reason for police suicides. Most of them are taking the extreme step due to personal reasons.” He said that family counselling is being conducted for those prone to suicide to help them with the problems.

Speaking about the recruitments in the department, the DGP said 547 SIs and 12,338 constables have been appointed this year. As many as 16,92,173 calls were made by the people to the Dial 100 service, he added.