Encroached ‘Sanjay Van’ a crime den

NEW DELHI - Delhi’s protected ridge Sanjay Van has been widely encroached over the years but what is more revealing is that the areas surrounding it are increasingly becoming a crime hub, Environment and Forests Minister Jairam Ramesh told the Rajya Sabha Monday.

In a reply to a question, the minister revealed that reported crimes have increased at least 25 percent this year in comparison to 2008. In areas adjacent to this ridge, there were at least 18 cases of motor vehicle thefts this year as against 10 last year.

Molestation, murder and fatal accidents too have increased in and around Sanjay Van.

While the area did not report any murder or molestation last year, till Nov 15 this year, at least two women were molested. There was one case of murder and rape each, according to Ramesh’s reply, based on information collected by the ministry from Delhi Police.

The police record in solving the cases is low. Of the 18 vehicle thefts, the police have solved only two cases. Seven cases of theft were reported during the last 11 months, of which only two have been solved.

In total, there were 57 cases of crime in and around this protected ridge in 2008 and the number has jumped to 72 this year.