Kolkata secures title of safest Indian metro for third consecutive year, NCRB report reveals

Kolkata has once again clinched the title of the safest city in India, marking its third consecutive year at the top, according to the latest National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report for 2022. With a minimal cognisable offence count of 86.5 per 1 lakh population, Kolkata has surpassed other major cities like Pune, Hyderabad, and Chennai by a significant margin.

The city's commitment to technology integration and refined policing practices has contributed to the continuous decline in crime rates since 2016. Senior police officials attribute this success to strategic investments in infrastructure, increased manpower, upgraded technology, and community cooperation.

In terms of violent crimes, Kolkata has made notable progress, recording only 34 murder cases in 2022, a decrease from 45 in 2021 and 53 in 2020. However, the data also reveals an increase in crimes against women, with 1,890 cases reported in 2022 compared to 1,783 in 2021.

While acknowledging this concern, state minister Sashi Panja credits the proactive decisions of the government, emphasizing the focus on empowerment and gender security. Despite some challenges, Kolkata stands out as a model for crime prevention and detection.