Crime spikes in capital as normalcy returns post Covid-19 closure

The capital, that saw a sharp decline in crime incidents during two-month lockdown has once again started to see a spike in crimes.

Incidents like killing, robbery, repression on women and children and burglary are on the rise since the lockdown was withdrawn on May 30.

Recently, two people were killed and throat-slit body of another man was recovered in a single day.

In Pallabi, an auto-rickshaw driver Md Firoz was beheaded in broad day light while residential developer Abul Khayer was killed at Bashundhara on August 7.

The same day Kamrangirchar police recovered throat-slit body of Rabiul Islam from a manhole. He was killed days ago.

Crime data of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) showed such crimes have marked a sharp rise in June comparing to that of the months of April and May. The trend continued in July and August.

According to the data, 19 cases were filed for killing in June, 15 cases for robbery, 49 for rape, 136 for repression on women and children and 137 for burglary and stealing with different police stations.

The number of such cases were almost the same in January, February and March when an average 19.6 cases were filed for murder, 17.6 for robbery, 44 for rape, 140 for repression on women and children while 183 were lodged for burglary and stealing, the data showed.

The cases, however, dropped sharply in April and May when the country was under lockdown. Authorities imposed the nationwide lockdown on March 26 in the wake of coronavirus and extended it until May 30 with several extensions.

In that two months, on an average 10.5 cases were filed for murder, eight for robbery, 13.5 for rape, 44 for repression on women and children and 58.5 for burglary and stealing.

Md Walid Hossain, deputy commissioner of DMP's public relations and media, said crime incidents were low as people opted not to come out during lockdown.

The situation changed after it was withdrawn. May be for this reason crime incidents have possibly marked a rise, he added.

"But we are alert and have been taking tough measures," Walid told The Daily Star. He said due to remaining alert, the killer of a businessman in Bashundhara residential area could be traced within a day.

Besides, they have increased police patrolling. He also said earlier many members of DMP tested positive for Covid-19. Many rejoined after recovery.

Walid said the rate of Covid-19 infection among their force members has declined sharply and police activities are going on in full force.

"We hope to contain the crime," he added.