Delhi's crime surge: Extortion, drugs, threats were order of the day

Delhi’s streets remained plagued by crime throughout the year, with snatching incidents and motor vehicle thefts continuing to cause widespread concern. While snatching remains a fearsome problem, particularly for women, official figures indicate a slight drop in such crimes, from 7,256 cases in 2023 to 6,118 cases in 2024 — a 22 per cent decrease. However, these crimes still instil significant fear, especially in deserted areas.

Meanwhile, other street crimes, such as dacoities and burglaries, have seen a concerning rise. Dacoity cases increased by 23 per cent, while burglaries surged by 25 per cent compared to last year. Though murder rates have seen a slight decrease, with 457 reported cases in 2024, down from 461 in 2023, street crime remains a persistent challenge.

Rise of extortion culture

Extortion has increasingly become a central source of income for gangs in Delhi, with new cases reported every day. Brazen attacks, such as the murder of a gym owner in South Delhi and a shootout at a Burger King outlet, highlight the deepening crisis. Gangsters, often operating from abroad, are refining their methods, making it difficult for law enforcement to track their funds and networks.

These gangs — including the infamous Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar factions — typically target vulnerable businesspeople, demanding money through threats and intimidation. If the targets refuse to comply, foot soldiers, often juveniles, are hired to carry out the threats. According to police, 11 extortion gangs have been identified across Delhi, with many of these rackets spanning both local and international territories.

Drug abuse crisis in Delhi

The capital’s drug abuse crisis has worsened this year, with synthetic drugs such as MDMA becoming increasingly prevalent in Delhi and nearby areas. A joint survey by the Ministry of Social Justice and AIIMS found that drug abuse is notably higher in Delhi-NCR than the national average. Police officials say the situation is being exacerbated by drug trafficking from overseas.

In February, a significant 900-kg haul of Mephedrone (MD) worth over Rs 3,000 crore was seized by Delhi and Pune Police. October saw the biggest drug bust in the city’s history, with over Rs 7,000 crore worth of cocaine seized, revealing the scale of the trafficking operation. These seizures highlight the growing problem of synthetic drug smuggling and abuse in Delhi.

Bomb hoaxes

A new challenge in 2024 was the rise in bomb hoaxes targeting schools, hospitals and other public places. The first bomb threat emails were sent in May and by December, over 100 schools had received such threats, all of which were eventually deemed hoaxes. These emails, often sent using virtual private networks, have made investigations difficult for Delhi Police, who are still working to identify the perpetrators.

The city also grappled with two mysterious low-intensity explosions in Prashant Vihar, Rohini, in October and November. The cause of the blasts remains unclear, adding to the strain on law enforcement.

Crime against women

Violence against women continues to be a major problem in Delhi, despite a slight decrease in reported rape cases, from 1,976 in 2023 to 1,919 in 2024 — a drop of just 3 per cent. However, the numbers are still alarmingly high for any metropolitan area. Public transport and public spaces remain unsafe for women, limiting their mobility and access to essential services.

Delhi Police have recorded 1,149 cases of outraging women’s modesty by July 31, with more cases reported later in the year. Officers point to proactive initiatives, such as night patrols, women’s safety teams and a greater police presence around schools and colleges, as contributing factors to more robust crime reporting.

Year of unanswered questions

Despite efforts to address the rising crime, 2024 was challenging year for Delhi Police. From the continuing rise in street crime and extortion to the threat of drug cartels and bomb hoaxes, law enforcement faces a formidable task in restoring order. As investigations into these problems continue, Delhi remains on edge, grappling with a law enforcement system under severe pressure.