Jabalpur police remained on toes to curb organised crimes in the district and succeeded in solving the heinous and sensitive crime cases in record time during the year 2024. However, despite putting-up vigilant check on organised crimes, district police witnessed grappling with a distressing rise in murders and crimes committed by family members. Despite strict laws and vigilant police efforts, the crime graph continued to escalate in the year 2024. Data clearly shows that the perpetrators are often not strangers but close family members and acquaintances, including husbands, brothers, daughters, wives, and uncles.

 

The involvement of close relations in brutal crimes has exposed a disturbing trend. From the double murder in Civil Lines to cases of rape and murder in Panagar, the killing of a sister-in-law in Hanumantal, a fake robbery leading to a wife’s murder and an uncle raping and murdering his niece in Khamaria, these incidents have shaken the city. Over the past month, such heinous crimes have created a grim atmosphere, urging society to reflect on the weakening bonds of trust within families. A shocking incident unfolded in Civil Lines, where a 15-year-old girl, along with her boyfriend, brutally murdered her father and younger brother. On March 15, in Millennium Colony, Rajkumar Vishwakarma and his 8-year-old son Tanishk were found dead. Investigations revealed that the minor daughter, in collusion with her neighbour Mukul Singh, carried out the crime. This incident deeply tarnished the sanctity of familial bonds.

 

On November 30, in Chandan Colony, Sanjeevani Nagar, Ravi Sen killed his brother-in-law Kesari Sen, frustrated by persistent disputes. Under Chargawan police jurisdiction, Dharam alias Abhi murdered his uncle Manoj alias Mannu Thakur on October 30 during an argument over insufficient funds at a drinking party. In Bargi, on August 2, the murder of 50-year-old Mukesh Jhariya was found to be planned by his wife and her lover, Vivek. In Omti, on December 14, Sampat Yadav was killed by his son Shivam Yadav and a relative, Shiva Yadav, following a dispute over alcohol consumption.

 

 

Increasing numbers of cyber frauds upto Rs 17 crore were reported in the district while cases of digital arrest emerged as a new challenge before the security agencies. Between January 1, 2024, and December 13, 2024, the State Cyber Police, Jabalpur Zone, received 130 complaints, of which 75 were registered as crimes, while others remain pending. This year, approximately Rs 17 crore worth of fraud has been recorded in the Jabalpur Zone, with Rs 55 lakh recovered. The recovered amount was returned to victims after freezing the fraudulently transferred funds. As the year draws to a close, the cyber police are focusing on resolving pending cases and intensifying efforts to apprehend absconding accused individuals. In cases of cyber fraud, the first 24 hours are crucial. If the victim contacts the police within this time, the police can, not only freeze the transferred funds, but also make efforts to recover the amount. 

 

 

The year 2024 will always be remembered for two drastic explosions which claimed four lives and the body of a man remaining missing. The first explosion was reported at a scrap warehouse on April 25 in Khajri by-pass. A massive explosion demolished the factory, killing two workers whose bodies were torn to pieces. The blast was so powerful that only remains of their bodies were recovered, necessitating DNA testing. While one worker’s DNA matched, the other did not, leading the police to register a missing person’s case. The second major explosion took place on October 22 in building number 200, Section F-6, of the Ordnance Factory Khamaria (OFK). The accident occurred during the process of boiling old Pechora bombs with steam, resulting in the death of two workers. These two incidents, which collectively claimed four lives, garnered attention not just across the nation but internationally as well. Both the OFK and scrap warehouse explosions prompted the involvement of Army and intelligence agencies. High-level investigation committees were formed, and exhaustive probes were initiated. Probes into both incidents are still ongoing, with intelligence agencies conducting confidential inquiries. Another explosion took place on July 18 at a scrap warehouse in Sanjay Nagar Industrial Area, Adhartal. A worker, Raja alias Abhishek Chaudhary (22), lost his life in the incident. This explosion brought back memories of the earlier blasts. The warehouse owner, Jain Bardas, was arrested in the case, and even the army arrived to investigate. n