2069 largely 'peaceful': Police

KATHMANDU, April 13: Nepal Police has claimed that the year 2069 remained largely ´peaceful´ in comparison to the last few years. Top police officials claimed that this became possible due to hard work by police personnel despite challenges of growing new forms of crime and several logistical constraints.



At a function organized at Nepal Police Headquarters, Naxal, for review of the year 2069 and to exchange greetings of New Year 2070, it was informed that criminal activities during the year declined although cases of violence against women rose, more illegal arms were confiscated and huge amounts of drugs seized. [break]Briefing the media, Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Keshav Adhikari, who is also the spokesperson of Nepal Police, said cases of violent crime declined significantly in 2069 in comparison to year 2067 and 2068.



But records show that the country witnessed a surge in other forms of crimes such as fraud, extortion and financial crimes, serious type of cyber crimes and crimes masterminded by women.



The year 2067 witnessed 734 murders, 2068 saw 726 murders but the number came down to 657 in 2069. Similarly, it was claimed that cases of kidnapping have also decreased markedly in recent years. According to police data, 75 kidnapping incidents were recorded in 2069. A total of 113 arms were seized while the number of related arrests was recorded at 460 in the year 2069 against the previous year´s 536.





Nepal Police Spokesperson Keshav Adhikari speaks at press meet. (Photo: Keshab Thoker)



Police reported that a total of 1,697 people died in 7,493 road accidents in 2069.



Likewise, police registered slightly more complaints of violence against women this year, DIG Adhikari said. This year 489 such cases were registered against the previous year´s 480. Adhikari attributed the improvement to police´s ´zero-tolerance´ policy against violence against women.



Also, police have termed the year successful in terms of curbing drug trafficking and drug abuse as 1,713 related cases were registered and 2,431 individuals arrested.



But a top police official requesting anonymity told Republica that decrease in the number of criminal cases and increment in registration of complaints alone do not indicate at peaceful society because criminals are getting more sophisticated and police are finding it difficult to trace and prove such criminal activities. We now need to focus more on new and sophisticated forms of crimes including cyber crimes and financial crimes including ATM fraud.



The gunning down of Supreme Court Justice Rana Bahadur Bam is among one of the serious cases of 2069 as police still are clueless about who and why committed the murder. Also, police noted that more youths were found involved in heinous forms of crimes this year.



Police informed that security was tightened in Kathmandu Valley during the year with several layers of security arrangement including more check points and patrolling despite logistical crunch.

Related story

'Election largely peaceful'