For the third year running, Kolkata has received recognition as the safest city in India, an accomplishment highlighted in a recent report by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). The eastern metropolis, known for its rich culture and history, has the least number of cognisable offences per lakh population among all Indian cities. 

"Cognisable crimes" as referred to in the NCRB report, are crimes for which cases can be registered under sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Special and Local Laws (SLL). The spectrum of cognisable offences can vary from petty theft to serious crimes like murder. 

In 2022, Kolkata reported a mere 86.5 cases of cognisable offences per lakh people. This remarkable safety performance, according to NCRB data, sees the city far outpacing its closest counterparts, Pune (280.7) and Hyderabad (299.2). 

“Despite recording a decrease in the overall crime rate, from 103.4 per lakh people in 2021 to 86.5 in 2022, Kolkata is facing challenges in certain areas.”

Challenges in Increasing Crimes Against Women 

The report notes a noticeable increase in crimes against women, rising from 1,783 cases in 2021 to 1,890 in 2022. This results in a crime rate against women of 27.1 per lakh population, contrasting with Coimbatore's 12.9 and Chennai's 17.1.

Declining rates in Violent Crime 

In brighter news, the report also indicated a significant reduction in violent crimes in the city this year. Records of murder have seen a drop down to only 34 cases, from the previous 45. Additionally, Kolkata maintained a steady count of sexual crime with 11 reported cases of rape in both years. 

The NCRB report 'Crime in India 2022' is based on data collected from 36 states and Union territories and central agencies. 

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