Delhi has faced unprecedented security challenges throughout 2024, grappling with rampant gang violence, bomb threats, and extortion cases. The city's police force has been under immense pressure, striving to tackle rising crime rates and maintain public safety amid increasing scrutiny from citizens and government officials.
One particularly significant incident occurred on June 18, when the daylight murder of 26-year-old man unfolded at west Delhi's Burger King outlet. The shocking crime was captured on CCTV, and police later arrested two individuals connected to the victim's fatal encounter, which was believed to be orchestrated by members of rival gangs. The incident highlighted the alarming proliferation of gang violence, contributing to former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's characterization of Delhi as the country's "gangster capital."
The rise of gang warfare has been evidenced by several high-profile killings throughout the year. On July 14, gunmen shot and killed a patient admitted to GTB Hospital in northeast Delhi; this case later emerged as one of mistaken identity attributed to the Hashim Baba gang. Another incident on September 14 involved the tragic death of gym owner, shot dead by the Lawrence Bishnoi-Hashim Baba Gang, intensifying public concern over safety.
Adding to these violent confrontations, Delhi police faced growing unrest amid multiple bomb threats received by schools, hospitals, and even the airport throughout the year. The wave of threats began surfacing in May, with over 100 schools receiving anonymous emails declaring bomb threats, causing panic and disruption. All of these threats were later verified as hoaxes, which, nonetheless, complicated the police investigations significantly. After weeks of toiling through the challenges of tracing the emails, it emerged as clear evidence of the broader security issues facing the city.
Beyond bomb threats, incidents of extortion have surged dramatically, targeting business owners, property dealers, and various shops. The police pinpointed 11 gang factions involved, including notorious groups led by figures like Lawrence Bishnoi, who remain influential even from behind bars or abroad. The climate of fear for local businesspersons became increasingly palpable, as criminal factions employed violence and intimidation as means to extort money.
Unfortunately, 2024's challenges didn't end there for the Delhi police. The law enforcement agency also found itself facing public backlash following the disturbing incident of March 8, where video footage surfaced showing one of its officers kicking individuals offering prayers on the roadside. The fallout resulted not only in the suspension of the officer involved but also serious criticism of the police force at large.
Further exacerbation of the police's plight unfolded with various tragic accidents. On July 27, floods caused by heavy rainfall resulted in the preventable deaths of three civil service aspirants trapped within the basement of their coaching center. The incident attracted widespread condemnation, forcing the police to transfer investigations to the Central Bureau of Investigation due to public outrage over negligence.
Similarly, another heartbreaking incident occurred when seven toddlers lost their lives following a fire at a hospital in east Delhi, which prompted immediate scrutiny over the operations of such facilities within the city. The pressure on the police escalated as they faced accusations of failing to regulate illegal establishments.
Despite the deluge of incidents, the Delhi police managed to secure judgments against perpetrators, ensuring justice was served for the murders of on-duty constables, such as the tragic deaths of Sandeep and Kiranpal. Their families were left devastated, yet the police's ability to apprehend the offenders provided some solace.
With 2024 coming to an end, political tensions may arise as AIMIM indicated the possibility of fielding imprisoned candidate Shahrukh Pathan, who is accused of involvement in the 2020 northeast Delhi riots, for future assembly elections. These developments stand to keep the Delhi police on their toes as political dynamics inevitably intertwine with law enforcement issues. The battle against crime and violence will continue to shape the city of Delhi and its residents' lives.
Going forward, officials insist on increasing law enforcement measures amid the rising threats, with citizens demanding concrete actions to restore their faith and safety within their own neighborhoods. A proactive approach is necessary to tackle violence, regulate operations, and curb gang activities. The Delhi police’s efforts remain underway, yet the outcome of these initiatives will remain pivotal for the safety and the peace of mind of the citizens.
