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Arvind Kejriwal, the convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and former Chief Minister of Delhi, has expressed grave concern over the escalating crime situation in the national capital. In a letter addressed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Kejriwal painted a grim picture of Delhi's law and order, alleging a 'complete collapse' and describing the city as the 'crime and extortion capital of the world'. His concerns are backed by statistics indicating that Delhi ranks highest among 19 metro cities in murder cases and is the worst performer regarding women's safety. This alarming state of affairs, according to Kejriwal, warrants immediate and decisive action from the central government.
The letter details a range of disturbing trends contributing to this alarming situation. A significant increase in crimes against women is highlighted, alongside the proliferation of extortion gangs and the brazenness of criminals operating in broad daylight. Kejriwal cites numerous instances of daylight shootings, murders, and abductions, emphasizing the growing fear and insecurity among Delhi's residents. The alarming rise in drug-related crimes, a 350% increase since 2019, further underscores the deteriorating law and order situation. This escalation extends beyond violent crimes, with a surge in bomb threats targeting schools, colleges, hospitals, malls, and even the airport. Over the past six months, more than 300 educational institutions and 100 other establishments have received such threats, causing widespread panic and disrupting daily life for students, parents, and staff.
The psychological impact of these constant bomb threats cannot be overstated. Kejriwal eloquently captures the fear and anxiety experienced by children and parents who are forced to evacuate schools due to these threats, questioning the effectiveness of law enforcement in apprehending those responsible. The lack of arrests, he argues, emboldens perpetrators and contributes to the overall sense of insecurity. This persistent threat, coupled with the rise in violent crime and crimes against women, has created a climate of fear and uncertainty that extends beyond individual incidents, affecting the city's overall social fabric and economic stability. Business confidence is eroding, as the perceived lack of safety impacts economic activity and investor sentiment. The business community, along with ordinary citizens, is expressing deep frustration and questioning the government's ability to provide the basic right of security.
Kejriwal's appeal to Amit Shah underscores the urgent need for collaborative action to address this multifaceted crisis. He emphasizes the need to transcend political differences and focus on restoring law and order in Delhi. By highlighting the Delhi Police's position under the Union Home Ministry's jurisdiction, Kejriwal directly calls upon Shah to intervene and take decisive steps. The request for a meeting aims to provide a detailed briefing on the situation and explore collaborative strategies to combat crime and restore public confidence. The lack of effective policing, the slow response to rising crime rates, and the inability to prevent and apprehend those responsible for bomb threats are all factors contributing to this deepening crisis. The onus now lies on the central government to demonstrate its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of Delhi's residents.
The situation in Delhi demands a comprehensive approach, involving a multi-pronged strategy that addresses not only the immediate concerns but also the underlying causes of the crime surge. This requires a collaborative effort between the central and state governments, along with enhanced community policing, improved intelligence gathering, and stricter enforcement of laws. Investing in advanced crime-fighting technologies, improving forensic capabilities, and strengthening the capacity of law enforcement agencies are essential steps to effectively address the situation. Simultaneously, addressing the socio-economic factors that contribute to crime, such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of educational opportunities, is crucial for long-term solutions. A holistic approach that combines effective law enforcement with targeted social programs can create a safer and more secure environment for all Delhi residents.