Cong meets Police Commissioner over deteriorating law and order

A delegation from the Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee (DPCC), led by its president Devender Yadav, met Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora on Tuesday to express grave concerns over the deteriorating law and order situation in the Capital.

The delegation highlighted the growing fear and insecurity among Delhi residents, submitting a memorandum that pointed to a rise in crimes, including crime against women, road rage, illicit liquor trade and drug-related offences.

Speaking to mediapersons after the meeting, Yadav said, “Delhi has become the ‘Crime Capital’ of the country. The rising crimes, particularly against women, and the widespread issues of road rage, traffic congestion and the drug menace are creating a dangerous atmosphere in the city. Unemployment among the youth is exacerbating the situation.”

The delegation, which included former ministers Haroon Yusuf, Mangat Ram Singhal and Kiran Walia, along with other senior Congress leaders, expressed concerns over the increasing challenges faced by the residents. Yadav emphasised that the situation was particularly troubling for the city’s youth, who, he said, are being drawn into criminal activities out of desperation.

“Illegal liquor trade, the rising drug menace and increasing violence are casting a dark shadow over Delhi. Instead of chasing their dreams, many young people are finding themselves ensnared in a world of crime and hopelessness,” said Yadav.

The DPCC president also drew attention to startling statistics from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), noting that Delhi’s crime rate of 1,832 is more than three times higher than the national average of 544.

“Delhi Police’s own records show 308 murders, 1,034 robberies, 144 extortions and six kidnappings for ransom by mid-August. This points to a complete breakdown of law and order,” he added.

Yadav also highlighted the issue of traffic fines imposed on e-rickshaw drivers, which he said were disproportionate to their income. “The traffic police are levying fines ranging from Rs 20,000 to Rs 25,000 on e-rickshaw drivers. These fines are often higher than their monthly income, and such harsh penalties should be avoided,” he said.

Another major concern raised by the Congress delegation was the shortage of personnel in the Delhi Police force. With over 12,547 vacancies yet to be filled, Yadav argued that controlling crime has become an overwhelming challenge. “There is widespread suppression of crime reports, especially among marginalised communities like the SCs and minorities, who often face discrimination when they try to file complaints at police stations,” he noted.

‘Violence casting dark shadow over Delhi’

Illegal liquor trade, rising drug menace and increasing violence are casting a dark shadow over Delhi. Instead of chasing their dreams, many young people are finding themselves ensnared in a world of crime and hopelessness. — Devender Yadav, Delhi Cong chief