At least six rape cases are reported every day on an average in Delhi, which is also witnessing a substantial increase in killings, posing a concern for the Central government as it is directly responsible for law and order in the national capital.
The number of total crimes in the national capital registered this year till 15 September was 2,12,763, compared to 1,67,480 cases lodged in the corresponding period in 2018, according to Delhi Police data.
The total number of non-heinous crimes registered during this period this year was 2,08,925. The figure was 1,63,388 in 2018, said the Delhi Police data.
The concern over the rising crime graph assumes more significance as the Assembly polls in Delhi are just a few months away.
According to Delhi Police data, 1,609 cases of rape were registered from 1 January to 15 September this year.
The figure stood at 1,557 during the same period in 2018.
The data, accessed by IANS, also shows that 373 cases of murder were registered till 15 September, against 338 such cases lodged in the corresponding period last year.
Stressing on "zero tolerance" towards terrorism and crime in the national capital, the Union Home Ministry recently instructed Delhi Police to be "extra vigilant" to make the city safe.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah in a high-level meeting on Friday (4 October) directed senior MHA officials to take incidents of crime, smuggling and terror activities seriously and ensure safety to the people.
As per the Delhi Police data, 342 cases of attempt to murder, 1,487 cases of robbery, 12 cases of dacoity and 11 cases of kidnapping for ransom were registered this year between 1 January and 15 September.
The overall figure related to reported heinous crimes was 3,838 till 15 September this year, lower to 4,092 cases registered during the same period last year.
If compared with previous years, the crime graph in 2018 stood at 2,50,719; in 2017 it was 2,33,580; in 2016 the number noted 2,09, 519 while in 2015 it was 1,91,377.
(With inputs from IANS)