The Hindu : National : Spurt in crime rate in Rajasthan

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Sunday, Aug 06, 2006

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Spurt in crime rate in Rajasthan

Special Correspondent

Congress seeks special session to discuss law and order, drought

JAIPUR: The Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee has demanded a special session of the Assembly to discuss the worsening law and order situation in the State. An emergency session of the Assembly was also sought to discuss the drought conditions prevailing in half of the 32 districts.

PCC president B.D. Kalla, who met mediapersons here on Saturday, said there had been an overall increase in crime rate in Rajasthan in the first six months of the year compared to the corresponding period in 2005.

The number of serious crimes such as murder, rape and dowry deaths had gone up by 4.8 per cent, 5.42 per cent and 10.4 per cent respectively, he pointed out. There was a 33 per cent increase in the killings of Scheduled Castes and 7 per cent increase in that of the Scheduled Tribes, he noted.

Women "insecure"

"The people, especially women, are feeling highly insecure under the present Bharatiya Janata Party Government here. On an average there are three murders, three rapes and six kidnappings. Every four minutes, there is one act of crime in the State," Mr. Kalla said, citing the official figures from the half-yearly crime review.

There was a steep increase in cases of crimes and atrocities against women despite "Operation Garima."

Under the present police dispensation in the State, the morale of the criminals was high, Mr.Kalla alleged.

There were thefts even at the official residences of police officers and the gangs involved in liquor trade, tourism and property dealings had become very active, he said.

`Luxury amidst drought'

The PCC chief decried the Rajasthan Government's move to spend Rs.32 crore in procuring an aircraft for the State and luxury cars for the members of the Cabinet.

"When 15,778 villages are under the grip of drought, the Government is indulging in luxuries such as buying a Rs. 25-crore aircraft and Rs. 40-lakh Mercedes car for the Chief Minister," Mr. Kalla observed.

"On her return from abroad, the Chief Minister spoke about presenting a surplus budget next year but then how will the Rs.74, 000-crore debt liability of the State be accounted for?" he sought to know.

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