United News of Bangladesh

A rise in criminal cases in Cumilla during April has triggered concern among residents and officials, with murder, rape, theft and violence against women showing an upward trend in the district. According to data presented at the monthly district law and order committee meeting, a total of 584 cases were filed in April across different categories of crime, up from 517 cases in March — an increase of 67 cases within a month. The statistics were disclosed at a meeting held recently at the conference room of the Deputy Commissioner’s office, chaired by Deputy Commissioner Md Reza Hasan. Officials said the increase in cases could indicate both a rise in criminal activities and stronger enforcement measures by law enforcement agencies. However, they expressed particular concern over the growing number of incidents involving theft, snatching and rape in different upazilas, including areas under the city corporation. According to the district law and order committee’s report, 10 murder cases and 20 rape cases were filed in April. In addition, 28 cases were lodged over violence against women and children, while 41 theft cases and 60 unnatural death cases were recorded during the month. The highest number of cases -205- were filed under the Narcotics Control Act, alongside several cases related to robbery, dacoity and physical assault. The report also showed that cases increased in seven categories of comparatively serious crimes, while five categories saw a decline. Lawyer Badiul Alam Sujan, public prosecutor of the Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal in Cumilla, said the rise in cases reflects a worsening crime situation. “The increase in cases means crimes are also increasing. This is certainly a negative sign,” he said. “We are witnessing deterioration in the law and order situation with our own eyes. Naturally, this is increasing public anxiety and insecurity,” he added. Deputy Commissioner Md Reza Hasan, who also heads the district law and order committee, however, said the rise in cases could partly be attributed to greater willingness among victims to seek legal remedy. He said law enforcement agencies were instructed during the meeting to strengthen measures to curb crimes ahead of Eid-ul-Azha. Important decisions were also taken to ensure security on highways during cattle transportation, prevent circulation of counterfeit currency and curb theft and snatching incidents at shopping malls and cattle markets, he added.