Claiming investigative prowess, Goa Police recently announced an impressive detection rate of 96.67% concerning heinous crimes in 2024. Out of the 180 serious offences reported, 174 were solved, a statistic that on the surface seems like a commendable achievement for law enforcement agencies. However, the numbers take on a more disconcerting tone when one examines the corresponding conviction rates, which remain dismally low.
Understanding the broader context requires a closer look at Goa’s crime statistics. As of the end of December 2024, the police recorded a detection rate of 87.98% for all Indian Penal Code (IPC) cases, successfully resolving 1,844 out of 2,096 incidents.
When broken down, the figures reveal a concerning pattern: for severe offences like murder and attempted murder, all cases reported were detected.
In total, murder and attempt to murder cases accounted for 29 reports each, with successful detection in every instance. Rape cases, too, saw a high rate of resolution, with 106 reported and 100 detected. Dacoity and robbery, likewise, boasted an impressive track record, with all 16 reported cases solved.
Despite these seemingly positive statistics, a sobering reality looms.
As of October 2024, only 250 of these cases had led to convictions. This is where the narrative starts to unravel.
A high detection rate may indicate effective police work in solving cases, yet it does not necessarily translate into justice being served. It raises critical questions: Why is there such a discrepancy between the number of detections and the number of convictions?
One theory posits that thorough investigations are not being conducted. If the police successfully detect a case but fail to secure a conviction, it could suggest that evidence gathering and case preparation are inadequate.
This may involve issues such as poor handling of forensic evidence, a lack of witnesses willing to testify, or insufficient legal follow-through by the prosecuting authorities. Investigative shortcomings not only fail to bring justice but also leave victims and their families with unresolved grief and dissatisfaction.
Another troubling possibility is the notion of intentionally letting offenders slip through the cracks.
In high-profile cases, such as those involving deaths at EDM festivals due to drug overdoses or the infamous Siddhi Naik case, a sense of negligence or willful inaction can breed strong public distrust in law enforcement.
When harmful offences appear to evade proper accountability, it fuels public scepticism about the police’s efficacy and commitment to justice.
For the citizens of Goa, the promise of a high detection rate is overshadowed by the harsh reality of low conviction rates. The numbers could point to a larger systemic issue requiring urgent attention – one that transcends arrest figures and speaks to the broader framework of crime prevention and judicial accountability.
Hence, while Goa Police’s claim of a 96.67% detection rate may be a source of pride, it also invites scrutiny regarding its efficacy in delivering justice. The gap between solving cases and securing convictions suggests much work remains to be done in building a robust legal system that protects victims and holds offenders accountable. Only through commitment and transparency can the apparent victories on paper translate into true justice in practice.
SURAJ BNANDREKAR
Editor, Goemkarponn
