Loss in income during lockdown, migration and plenty of job losses will definitely result in rising crime across the country, especially the Tier III towns. Udaipur is no exception.

Figures given by the Udaipur Central Jail to media indicate what lies in store.  Crime has increased in the first 15 days of Unlock phase, as compared to numbers in the lockdown phase. Firstly because of restriction on movement during lockdown and secondly due to reporting of crime getting delayed due as the victim was unable to visit the police station.

Where the apprehending of accused and juvenile delinquents has risen by 100%, crime against women has gone up 4 times during the unlock phase.

Cases of crime against women, which were not reported in the lockdown phase have gone up by 4 times.  Police informed that due to lockdown, women could not come to police stations to record their greivances, and once the lockdown was release, there was a rush of complains related to women harrassment. Upto 3 visits per day in the last 15 days have bene registered. Police informed that the initial discussions revolved around counseling and guiding against registering the cases, which was followed by registering the FIR if the counseling did not work.

Increase in crime and arrests by police (as per data from prisons department, Udaipur)

Arrests

• 22 March - 31 May (Lockdown): 150 arrests (average 2 per day)
• 1 June till 15 June (Unlock): 60 arrests (average 4 per day)

Reform Home (Juvenile)

• 22 March - 31 May (Lockdown): 9 in 70 days
• 1 June till 15 June (Unlock): 10 in 15 days

Women Cell

• 22 March - 31 May (Lockdown): 22 in 70 days
• 1 June till 15 June (Unlock): 20 in 15 days

COVID tests and Quarantine

Juveniles are being kept in quarantine for 14 days before being shifted to the reform center. For this purpose, hostels have been converted to quarantine centers and the number of guards have increased. Entry to jail and juvenile reform centers is being done after the quarantine period.

Source: Media Reports