Delhi killsfor a drop of the hat

Do a Delhite need a reason to kill someone? The answer seems to be in the negative. The year report of the Delhi police points out to the highly intolerant culture in the city. Generally this is the trend prevails in most parts of the world but Delhi takes the lead. In Brazil last year 4500 people were killed in the drug related violence which is 35% more than the 9/11 killings in the World Trade Center attacks. India’s capital region ranks 21 among the 35 mega cities in the murder cases. Why Delhi gets branded as the crime capital when other capital cities are more crime prone? The open society nature and a vigilant media are the two reasons for the regular updating about Delhi’s crimes which earns a bad name for the city.

Crime is a crime. I am not suggesting to ignore Delhi’s crime and celebrate it. My interest is to highlight the increasing intolerance around the globe. Although we do not have adequate data and reasons for the crimes happened in the other popular cities, Delhi data needs to be used to talk about the worldwide crimes. The high racing consumer economy is the root cause of the intolerant society.

Law Catches Up

Offences 2007 2008 %age increase

Red light jumping 2,85,429 5,29,026 85

Minor driving 2,997 4,263 42

Improper parking 1,88,400 3,39,739 80

Overspeeding 1,59,361 1,83,544 15

Dangerous driving 73,131 1 ,32,467 81

Drunken driving 3,748 7,579 102

Jaywalking - 20,900 -

Total 7,13,066 12,17,515 68

Number of Accidents Number of Persons

Year Non-Injury Injury Fatal Total Killed Injured

2007 517 5,748 2005 8,270 2,064 7,388

2008 367 5,200 1,918 7,485 1,989 6,356

According to the Delhi police commissioner Y.S.Dadwal “the past year witnessed a 13% fall in rape, robbery, riot and dacoity cases, though the number of murders went up from 467 in 2007 to 518 om 2008, an 11% rise. Crime against women also declined. In 98% of the women culprit is known to the victim. The reasons given for murders in Delhi are highly flimsy. Take a look at these

Failure to give bus route directions

Not serving papad in a restaurant

Choice of music during pre-marriage bash

Refusal to sell milk

Asking borrower to return Rs.250

Not washing a shirt

Objecting to dismissal in cricket

According to the Times of India (3.1.2009 P.1) 90 out of the 518 murders (17%) were committed for silly reasons. “Many murders took place in a fit of rage without any planning. Most of those who committed the crime neither had a criminal motive nor were criminals. They happened due to absolutely ridiculous reasons” said the Delhi police commissioner.

Time has come to rein in the intolerance in the society. It can be done through constant engagement of people in constructive activities. There should be enough listeners to receive the affect persons grievances. Without a window to vent their anger, problems and frustrations they can kill in a fit of anger. To avoid the anger and its impact on the society adequate broadminded people should get into the field for counseling and right direction giving.