Contrary to the optimistic official statistics, there are growing concerns about the non-registration of complaints
Recent official reports from the Guwahati Police Department indicate a significant decline in crime rates over the past few years. However, emerging evidence suggests that these figures may not present the complete picture, as numerous complaints reportedly go unregistered, potentially masking the true extent of criminal activity in the city.
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According to data from the Police Commissionerate, the crime rates in Guwahati (per lakh population) were 20.61% in 2019, 17.62% in 2020, 20.63% in 2021, 10.22% in 2022, and 9.36% in 2023. This downward trend has been attributed to effective policing strategies and increased vigilance.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has lauded the state's law enforcement agencies for their uncompromising approach, stating that "strong and effective policing" is behind the 48% fall in crime last year.
Contrary to the optimistic official statistics, there are growing concerns about the non-registration of complaints, which may contribute to an artificial deflation of crime rates.
In February 2025, a shop on B Baruah Road in Ulubari was looted. The victim filed a complaint at the Paltan Bazar police station, but no significant action was taken, and the case was not registered. The perpetrator remains at large, and the victim has yet to receive justice.
Similarly, a landlord allegedly broke open a shop and threw out articles at Ganeshguri. The shopowner filed a complaint with the Dispur Police Station on December 1, but the case is yet to be registered.
An official from the Paltan Bazar police station commented, "There are instances where several complaints can be solved through settlements and compromise between the parties. This helps them not to be associated with court hearings later. And there are complaints which are baseless. Once a complaint is filed, we do assign officials. Regarding the theft, we'll look into the matter."
This approach, while intended to reduce the burden on the judicial system, raises concerns about accountability and the potential for serious crimes to go unaddressed.
Reports suggest a new trend in police stations where very few cases are registered, helping maintain the station's reputation. This data is compiled to present an overall scenario of a decreasing crime rate, which may not reflect reality.
A senior city police official acknowledged the issue, stating, "We have instructed all to serve the people on equal grounds. If it is not being followed, then we have to discuss it within the department. However, there was a time when every complaint was registered as a case, but there were no concrete results. Thus, the police are precise about registering a case now." Despite official claims of declining crime rates, residents in areas such as Dispur, Hatigaon, and Noonmati have reported that their complaints often do not make it into the official register, either due to a lack of accountability or deliberate strategies employed by authorities.
While overall crime rates are reported to have decreased, certain categories have seen an uptick. For instance, the city saw around an 18% rise in murder cases and over a 3% increase in rape cases last year. Additionally, cybercrime complaints surged, with 821 financial fraud complaints registered in 2024 compared to 131 in 2023. Financial recovery also improved, with Rs. 3.75 crore retrieved in 2024 compared to Rs. 5.8 lakh in 2023.
These statistics suggest that while certain types of crime may be decreasing, others are on the rise, painting a more complex picture of the city's safety.
Despite official narratives, many residents feel that the city is becoming less safe. Recent months have seen a spate of crimes ranging from house burglaries and vehicle thefts to chain snatching and armed robberies. In one incident, a woman was robbed at gunpoint in broad daylight, highlighting the brazenness of criminals.
A local resident expressed concern, stating, "The figures show that crime has been on a descent, but the harsh reality is justice is not served to all."
The discrepancy between official crime statistics and residents' experiences underscores the need for more transparent and accurate crime reporting. Underreporting or non-registration of complaints not only undermines public trust but also hampers the ability of law enforcement agencies to address and mitigate crime effectively.
As Guwahati continues to develop and expand, it is imperative that the city's policing strategies evolve to ensure that all complaints are registered and thoroughly investigated. Only through transparent reporting and accountability can the true state of crime in the city be understood and effectively addressed. While official reports highlight a decline in crime rates in Guwahati, anecdotal evidence and unregistered complaints suggest a more nuanced reality. To ensure justice for all residents and maintain public trust, it is crucial for law enforcement agencies to adopt transparent practices, register all complaints, and provide accurate crime statistics.
Only then can the city develop effective strategies to combat crime and ensure the safety of its citizens.
