Rawalpindi: 2008 witnessed rise in Rawalpindi crime rate

[Naveed Yaseen]

* About 288 people killed, 300 kidnapped and 1,500 deprived of vehicles in Pindi

By Imran Asghar

RAWALPINDI: Rawalpindi witnessed an alarming rise in crime this year than in the previous year.

Statistics available with Daily Times show that 288 people, including women and children, were killed this year compared with 219 killings reported to Rawalpindi police last year. Similarly, 350 attempted murder cases were reported to police compared with 329 cases reported last year.

There was a decrease in suicide bomb attacks, as three attacks were reported to police, claiming more than 88 lives including the surgeon general of Pakistan Army Lt Gen Hafiz Mushtaq Ahamd. The year 2007 saw six suicide attacks, claiming over 140 lives.

Around 10 abandoned bodies were recovered this year compared with recovery of seven bodies last year. Around 10 people, including children, drowned in nullahs and open manholes in 2008. Incidents of Sui gas leak claimed over 10 lives this year.

Incidents of vehicles’ theft saw surge in 2008. Stealing or snatching of over 1,500 vehicles was reported to police in 2008 compared with less than 700 vehicles lifted last year.

Over 300 people, including women and children, were kidnapped in 2008 compared with 227 people abducted last year. Twenty-four cases of kidnapping for ransom were reported to police compared with 12 cases reported last year.

About 100 cases, in which the city residents were robbed at gunpoint, were reported to police compared with 44 cases reported last year. Moreover, over 500 cases of looting were reported to police in 2008 compared with 449 cases reported in 2007.

About 1,200 cases of theft and burglary were reported to police compared with 800 cases reported last year. More than 2,400 cases of dishonoured cheques and fraud were reported to police this year compared with 2,100 cases reported in 2007.

About 150 policemen were suspended on different charges like laxity and corruption during outgoing year. Moreover, about 30 policemen were booked and 10 others dismissed on different charges.

About 130 people lost lives in fatal road accidents compared with 112 people died previous year. Over 11 persons committed suicide in 2008 compared with seven killing themselves last year.

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp...008_pg11_3