Criminal cases increased in Comilla in April, triggering 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 meeting of the district law and order committee, 584 cases were filed in April across different categories of crime, up from 517 in March — an increase of 67 cases in a month.
The statistics were disclosed at a recent meeting held at the conference room of the deputy commissioner’s office, chaired by Deputy Commissioner Md Reza Hasan.
Officials said the rise could indicate both an increase in criminal activities and stronger enforcement by law enforcement agencies.
However, they expressed particular concern over the rise in incidents of theft, snatching and rape in different upazilas, including areas under the city corporation.
According to the committee 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 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.
Badiul Alam Sujan, public prosecutor of the Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal in Comilla, said the rise in cases reflected 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 could partly be attributed to greater willingness among victims to seek legal remedies.
He said law enforcement agencies had been instructed at the meeting to strengthen measures to curb crime ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.
Important decisions were also taken to ensure security on highways during cattle transportation, prevent the circulation of counterfeit currency and curb theft and snatching at shopping malls and cattle markets, he added.
