In the first quarter of 2025, Delhi witnessed a notable shift in its crime landscape, with a decline in cases registered under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), juxtaposed with a sharp rise in offences under local and special laws.
IPC/BNS Cases See a Downward Trend
Between January and March 2025, total cases under IPC and BNS fell to 63,898, marking a consistent decline from 82,534 in 2023 and 64,526 in 2024. This drop includes:
- Burglary: Down from 2,017 (2024) to 1,725
- House Theft: Slight drop to 3,578 in 2025 from 3,644 in 2024
- Motor Vehicle Theft: Declined from 9,800 (2023) to 9,070
- Other Thefts: Dropped to 6,733 from 8,900 in 2023
Authorities attribute this decline to stronger police presence, street patrolling, and anti-gang operations.
Special Law Crimes on the Rise
Contrary to the IPC/BNS trend, cases under local and special laws have surged significantly:
- Arms Act: Increased to 1,049 in 2025 from 957 in 2024
- Excise Act: Rose to 2,496, up from 1,382 in 2024
- NDPS Act: Jumped from 257 (2024) to 544
- Gambling Act: Cases climbed from 677 to 1,018
Total special law offences skyrocketed from 4,143 in 2024 to 6,836 in 2025, showcasing Delhi Police’s intensified action against smuggling, narcotics, and illicit liquor.
Police Response and Strategy
Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora emphasized a zero-tolerance policy and proactive enforcement as key drivers behind the increased registration of cases under special laws. Targeted actions against organised crime, drug syndicates, and unlicensed arms have yielded results, while preventive policing continues to reduce conventional crimes.
