ATM theft, cyber crime rates up

BY Our Staff Reporter

Guwahati, Dec 7: ATM smash and grab incidents are on the rise in the State, with the security agencies struggling to control the crime.

One case of ATM theft was reported each in the years 2011, 2012 and 2013.

However, the number shot up to 21 in 2014. This year police have already registered 32 cases till November 30, minister Rakibul Hussain stated in a written reply to a question by AGP MLA Phani Bhusan Choudhury.

Cyber crime cases have also registered an all-time high this year. From 69 in 2011, the number rose to 455 in 2014 and 491 this year.

Despite claims by Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi that the law and order situation in the State is improving, the State has witnessed an upswing in incidents of kidpping, rape and murder.

The number of kidpping cases rose from 5,381 in 2014 to 5,681 till November 30 this year. In 2013, the number of kidpping cases registered was 4,831.

Child abduction cases have also reached high numbers. From 537 in 2011, the number rose to 766 in 2014. This year, 707 cases of child abductions have been registered till November 30, the government said.

Murder cases have also risen steadily from 1,321 in 2011 to 1,478 in 2014 and 1,253 till November this year.