Madurai city records slight dip in murder cases in 2022

Madurai: A total of 32 murders were reported in 2022, a slight drop from the 35 reported in 2021 and low compared to the previous few years. Improved use of technology, police stations being made more people-friendly and intensified surveillance for crime prevention and detection were some of the reasons for this.
Madurai city police commissioner T Senthilkumar said in a statement that there were no revenge murders, murders between rowdies or communal-related killings in the city last year. The 32 murders were due to family disputes, petty quarrels and disputes between known people. There were two murders for gain and both were solved.
As many as 1,685 history-sheeted rowdy elements were closely monitored while precautionary action was taken against 3,664 habitual offenders under sections 107, 109, and 110 of CrPc.
Action was initiated against 2,263 rowdy elements and crime offenders to ensure good conduct and bonds were obtained from them while 126 rowdies were remanded in judicial custody for violating the bonds.
A total of 90 rowdy elements were detained under Goondas Act. Under operation Ganja Vettai, city police registered 325 cases under NDPS Act against 587 ganja sellers.
A total of 400 kg of ganja worth Rs 40 lakh was seized. Further, in 51 cases involving 70 ganja peddlers, action was taken to freeze 121 bank accounts and Rs 66 lakh worth movable and immovable assets of peddlers.
The city police also registered cases under Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act against 531 sellers and seized 2,950 kg banned tobacco products worth Rs 27 lakh in 2022.
The police commissioner said the ‘Grievance Redressal and Tracking’ (GREAT) system introduced this year netted 5,377 petitions at police stations and public grievance redressal camps were held for 168 petitioners whose petitions were initially unresolved.
For 24x7 video surveillance, as many as 13,351 CCTV cameras have been installed at nearly 3,035 important junctions and public places in the city.