2 blasts shook public confidence; question mark over policing

Chandigarh referred to as City Beautiful, faced significant challenges to its peace and security this year. The hand grenade attack at a house in Sector 10 marked an escalation in the city’s crime graph, raising serious concerns about the growing audacity of criminals. The twin low-intensity crude bomb blasts outside popular clubs in Sector 26 further added to the unease, shaking public confidence and prompting questions about the effectiveness of the city’s law enforcement machinery.

Bomb blasts after more than two decades had rocked the city. These blasts had been linked to terrorists and gangsters running syndicates from abroad.

The Sector 10 attack, meant to target a retired Punjab Police officer, was orchestrated by ISI-backed and Pakistan-based terrorist Harwinder Singhof the Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) in collaboration with US-based gangster Harpreet Singh. The Punjab Police had arrested two suspects in connection with the attack, who had lobbed the Pakistan-made hand grenade smuggled into the country via drone, on the house.

In the Sector 26 blasts, which were carried out with the intent of extortion, a joint team of Chandigarh and Haryana police apprehended two suspects after an encounter.

Beyond these high-profile cases, the city struggled with street crimes such as snatchings, which kept police personnel constantly on their toes. A spate of burglaries and thefts further heightened residents’ anxieties. Cybercrime also saw a sharp rise, with over 8,000 victims collectively losing more than Rs 70 crore. Further, the immigration consultants operating illegally, who duped hundreds aspiring to settle abroad of several crores, was another significant challenge.

Corruption accusations against cops

While the crime in the city kept police occupied, the department faced embarrassment with corruption accusations against police officers casting a shadow on the integrity of khakhi. This year alone, 12 police personnel, a retired SP and a home guard have faced action, including four FIRs filed by the CBI. The accusations ranged from bribery and abuse of power to collusion with criminal elements.

Meticulous probe led to arrest of serial killer

The police received widespread recognition for apprehending a serial rapist and killer linked to at least three rape-murder cases in Chandigarh, including a 14-year-old cold case.

Monu Kumar, a taxi driver, was accused of raping and murdering a 22-year-old MBA student in Sector 38 (West) in July 2010. Despite remaining unidentified for years, Monu allegedly committed two more heinous crimes, the rapes and murders of a 40-year-old woman from Maloya in January 2022 and a 55-year-old woman in the forest area of Sector 54 on February 28 this year. Thorough and methodical investigations ultimately led to his arrest, earning the police well-deserved recognition for their efforts.

First to implement new criminal laws

Amid these challenges, the Chandigarh Police achieved a milestone that garnered nationwide recognition. The city became the first in the country to fully implement the new criminal laws introduced this year. This achievement applauded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighted the Police Department’s commitment to reforms and modernisation, making Chandigarh a leader in progressive frameworks.

Despite their achievements, the police faced mounting pressure to address the deteriorating law and order situation. Strengthening intelligence networks, enhancing patrolling in vulnerable areas and restoring public trust through swift and decisive action will be crucial for the city to reclaim its reputation as a safe and serene urban centre.