Increasing Crimes and Commonwealth Games

Preparations to stage the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi are on, but nothing can be said with certainty at this point of time to what extent Delhi would succeed in fulfilling this responsibility. Though various organizations and institutions affiliated with the games are making tall claims, the slow pace of preparations and other issues are a cause of grave concern.
To make the games a great success, these issues need to be addressed immediately. One such issue that deserves urgent attention is the ever-increasing rate of crimes in the capital, Delhi, and the National Capital Region. If serious efforts to improve the law and order situation in the capital were immediately not made, it would have a negative impact on the Commonwealth Games.

Rise in Rate of Crimes
Delhi Police Commissioner Y. S. Dadwal has admitted to the rise in rate of crimes in Delhi. The evidence is that there is no stability, let alone improvement in the law and order situation. The graph of crimes is rising rapidly. The issue is not confined to Delhi alone; the situation is similar in Delhi's vicinity, more particularly in areas like Ghaziabad and Noida, which are part of the National Capital Region. Despite claims of improvement in the situation, the rate of crimes in these areas has increased during 2009 as compared to the previous year.
Dadwal admitted at a press conference that crimes like murders and robberies have seen a spurt in 2009 as compared to 2008. More serious is that the Delhi police have failed in solving serious crimes. What could be the reason behind this failure? Should we take it for granted that the police efficiency has taken a beating, or is it due to lack of manpower? Whatever be the reason, the increase in crime rate is a matter of grave concern for the entire country, as Delhi is the capital where there are foreign missions and government offices. Foreign visitors, government officers, and officials of multinational companies continue to visit Delhi all through the year. If these foreign visitors feel insecure in the capital, or face some other kind of untoward incident, it would send a wrong message to the world, and tarnish the country's image as a whole.

Growing Population
The Delhi police commissioner has admitted that crimes in Delhi rose by 1.42 percent in 2009 over 2008. He held those living in slums responsible for the rise. He maintained that the population in slums is constantly increasing, and those living in these areas are involved in crimes. He also said that those who visit Delhi to indulge in criminal activities from the NCR go back immediately after committing a crime.
What Dadwal has said could be true in the light of statistics. Yet, one wonders if he is aware that most crimes taking place in the capital are largely by those living in slums, why has he not strengthened security in such areas by deploying more police force? Why is the strength of police patrolling at borders and entry points from neighboring states not increased?
Holding those living in slums responsible for the spurt in crimes is only half the truth. The fact remains that spoilt children and youth of the rich and high and mighty have been found involved in criminal activities to carry out their lavish style of living. Several of these sons of the rich and mighty are sons of police officers, which has been publicized by the media.

Indifferent Attitude and Laziness
Though he gave details of efforts being made by the police to check crimes in Delhi, and attempted to prove that indifferent attitude and laziness or inefficiency of the Delhi Police are not responsible for it, yet the factual situation cannot be changed by making such tall claims.
Undoubtedly, the country's capital is fast turning into the crime capital as well. Delhi is constantly becoming more insecure for common man. Such a situation makes those visiting Delhi for the Commonwealth Games, foreign tourists, and players feel that Delhi is an insecure city, and it is dangerous to visit the same.

Adverse and Negative Impact
This would indeed have an adverse and negative impact on the games, and the capital's economy. The Delhi Police that continue to hype the threat from terrorism need to pay greater attention to the real threats that Delhi faces.
Also, there is need that the police adopt a serious and responsible attitude to check them. Pacifications, promises, and talking of new plans for security would prove futile unless serious and concerted efforts are made in this direction.