Mumbai Local: Crime rates on a rise, 198 cases reported in November

After witnessing a massive dip in the railway crimes during the lockdown period, the rates have started to shoot up again. Mumbai suburban railway service had to be shut during the coronavirus induced lockdown. Now as things are getting back to normal, more people are being allowed to travel via local trains. Now with increasing people the crime rate too has also started to climb in the local train.

According to reports, from April to November, 500 different crimes have been registered. Also, it has recorded highest number of thefts and robberies, followed by molestation, murder and attempted murder.

In April, a total of six cases of theft, assault and molestation were registered after the lockdown. In May, railway authorities recorded nine different crimes. However, the number of cases doubled in June and it reached to 37 in July.

Last month, about 198 cases were registered, said a railway official. According to the Bandra Lohmarg police, in the last eight months, out of 500 cases, 137 have been successfully investigated.

At present, more than 12 lakh passengers are traveling on both Central and Western routes.

Overall, railway crimes were much lower compared to last year, when 70 lakh people used to travel in locals daily.

There are a total of 365 cases of thefts including mobiles, wallets, chains and bags, followed by 82 cases of robbery in Mumbai locals.

Month-wise details of criminal cases registered and investigated:

The Railway Police, Railway Security Force personnel and Maharashtra Security Force personnel are deployed at various stations to check their tickets.

However, local trains have still not been open to the general public. Though, the last few months have seen more categories of passengers added to the list of people permitted to travel in the trains. Presently, essential service employees along with women are allowed to travel on local train but there are certain time limitations. Furthermore, the Railways had recently stated that women are barred from carrying children with them.