The world is facing the pandemic of COVID-19. Drastic changes have been made everywhere. Nature is recovering and is cleaner than ever before. The economy is down, industries suspended; causing huge economic losses, employment is in danger, transportations suspended, etc. Most people are at home spending time with their families. These changes are happening because of this virus. We are witnessing the impossible. But what about crimes? Any fluctuations in crime rates? Let’s analyze.
Introduction:
Crime rates seem to have gone down, but we cannot say for certain that crimes are not being committed. Initially, it was noted that although the pandemic damaged everything, the crime rates had gone down. But after the completion of two lockdowns we see an increase in cases of domestic violence, rapes and family disputes in our country.
High numbers of domestic violence cases have been reported during the lockdown, especially within the backward and unemployed classes. Non–availability of alcohol, squeezed income, financial stress, etc. adds fuel to the fire. The National Commission of Women (NCW) provided data that estimates almost a 100% increase in domestic violence during the lockdown. Not only in India; China, U.K. and the U.S.A. have also recorded a similar trend.
When we talk about the positives; in the latter half of March, under prohibitory orders, almost no crimes were committed. There were fewer accidents, sudden deaths, theft cases, burglaries and murder cases. According to India Today:
- There has been a 50% decline in cases related to outraging the modesty of a woman
- 42% decline in kidnapping cases
- 64% decline in robberies
- 60% decline in accidents
Other than this, different states report similar trends:
- Mumbai did not report a single case of chain snatching, which was a daily headache for the police.
- Haryana witnessed an unprecedented decline in criminal cases during the lockdown
- Just 14 robberies as Delhi’s crime rate dips
- The crime rate in Odisha records a significant drop
- 83% drop in rape cases in Delhi
Although some crimes are still being committed, it’s because the nature of the criminal mind can never be changed. The intentions can be postponed for a while only.
Increasing Cyber Crime During Lockdown:
“The numbers are just the tip of the iceberg. We received 412 genuine complaints of cyber abuse from 25 March to 25 April. 396 complaints were serious ones from women and these ranged from abuse, indecent exposure, unsolicited obscene pictures, threats, malicious emails claiming their account hacked, ransom demands, blackmail and more,” said the founder of the Akancha Foundation, Akancha Srivastava.
Another weird thing that came out during the lockdown was the Bois Locker Room, where teenage and some adult boys’ chats objectifying women were revealed. The group chat was run by 21 participants who shared morphed images of underage girls and the screenshots of the conversation went viral on Instagram. Police took action under section 67 and 67A of the IT Act.
This is just the height of misusing mobile technology. It is a critical situation when a person cannot move out and chill out with friends without being judged on the Internet. Studies, inventions, research, conferences, skills development, etc. all depend on the Internet. Now, crimes and most things illegal are planned on it and it has become a medium for criminals during the lockdown.
Violation Of Lockdown is a Crime:
The duty of a police officer is never easy. While the burden of crimes was reduced, the violators of the lockdown made up for it as people refused to stay home. The police have had to use laathis to push people not to come out unnecessarily. The Patiyala case is a suitable example of what the police face.
Conclusion:
The COVID-19 pandemic has shaken up everything that is a part of this world. Whether rich or poor, everyone is affected, but the poor are suffering more as they have nothing even to eat. This gives birth to frustration and desperation, and people who are in despair have to do anything to survive. This is when crime rates increase. Black marketing of prohibited goods has started as well. However, the police are on their toes and certain restrictions that are still in place to help them.
After a random analysis it can be said that although the crime rate is dropping, the critical situation due to COVID-19 may lead to more crimes being committed. In such a situation one should be aware and needs to console and help people affected by this pandemic.