Drugs and crime: Kerala's growing concern

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The incident in Nenmara, where a murder accused out on bail killed two people, remains a haunting memory. From "Drishyam"-style murders to herbal concoction killings, such disturbing incidents continue to leave Malayalees in a state of unease daily. Mentally unstable criminals seem to roam freely in the state!

With time, the nature of crimes is also changing. Crimes against women have increased in the state. Drug abuse and changing life circumstances have also contributed to the rise in criminal activities. In 2021, 5,695 drug-related cases were registered in the state, which rose to 26,619 in 2022—nearly a threefold increase. A glance at the official statistics of reported crimes in the state over the past five years is shocking.

Criminal cases registered
2020: 1,49,099
2021: 1,42,643
2022: 2,35,858
2023: 2,58,538
2024: 1,98,234

Crimes against women
2020: 12,659
2021: 16,199
2022: 18,943
2023: 18,980
2024: 18,887

Murders
2020: 306
2021: 337
2022: 334
2023: 352
2024: 335

Drug cases
2020: 4,968
2021: 5,695
2022: 26,619
2023: 30,697
2024: 27,530

POCSO cases
2020: 3,042
2021: 3,516
2022: 4,518
2023: 4,641
2024: 4,594

Cyber cases
2020: 426
2021: 626
2022: 773
2023: 3,295
2024 (up to November): 3,581