White Paper-2016 claims surge in crime

Bhubaneswar: Odisha witnessed a marginal surge in overall crimes with registration of 1,03,702 cases in 2016 as against 1,03,200 cases in the previous year.

The White Paper which was tabled by the Home department in the Assembly today, however, claimed a fall in rape cases in 2016. Rape cases nosedived to 2144 last year from 2184 in 2015, the report revealed.

Similarly, 1328 murder cases have been registered during 2016-17 while 566 dacoity and 2012 loot cases occurred during the period, the report said.
According to police report the State witnessed 10,532 road mishaps. The Home department report claimed that there is subsequent progress in Maoist situation. Naxal related cases have been recorded in 11 districts, it mentioned.

Maoist activities in seven districts of the State are under control while four districts witnessed zero naxal incidents, the Home department said through the White Paper.

Exchange of fire between rebels and cops has taken place 33 times in which 23 civilians, three security personnels have died.