Kathmandu: The incidence of crime in Nepal has witnessed a concerning uptick in the past two years, as reported by the Police Headquarters. Over 10,000 criminal cases have been recorded during this period.

In the fiscal year 2022/23, the total number of reported crime incidents reached 56,319, compared to 46,902 in the previous fiscal year, 2021/22. However, it is concerning that more than 23,000 of these cases are still pending and awaiting resolution, according to the police.

Deputy Inspector General of Police Kuber Kadayat, who also serves as the central spokesperson for the police, acknowledged the increase in crime incidents in the fiscal year 2022/23 compared to the previous year. Among the regions, the Kathmandu Valley reported the highest number of incidents with 16,627 cases, followed by 9,844 in Madhes Province, and 8,720 in Koshi Province. Other provinces also reported substantial crime rates, with Bagmati Province recording 4,679 incidents, Gandaki 4,177, Lumbini 6,997, Karnali 1,729, and Sudurpaschim 3,503.

The Central Investigation Bureau registered 43 specific incidents of crime, and it was observed that banking offenses and cybercrimes have shown an increase in recent times.

The surge in criminal activities demands a comprehensive response from law enforcement agencies and calls for increased efforts in resolving pending cases. Addressing the rise in banking offenses and cybercrimes is also essential to ensure the safety and security of citizens and their financial assets. Authorities must take proactive measures to curb crime and uphold the rule of law to protect the well-being of the public.