Law and Order Strengthened in Haryana, Sharp Decline in Crime Rate
STF Haryana has arrested 433 most wanted criminals (with rewards on them), 248 gangsters and gang members and criminals involved in 792 heinous crimes since the year 2023
Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh—
The Haryana Government, under its "Zero Tolerance for Crime" policy, has taken significant and effective measures to strengthen law and order in the state. Compared to previous years, the crime rate has witnessed a marked decline. Focused actions are being undertaken to ensure women’s safety, control cybercrime, and crack down on the drug mafia and gangster networks. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to make Haryana a safer and more law-abiding state.
Calling the recent statements made by the opposition on the issue of crime in the state, as misleading and factually baseless, an official spokesperson said such remarks are nothing but an attempt to spread fear among the public and misguide citizens. The spokesperson further added that if the opposition leaders had objectively compared police data from 2004–2014 with that from 2014–2024, they would not have made such careless and irresponsible claims.
Reaffirming his firm stance on public safety, Chief Minister, Nayab Singh Saini has issued unequivocal directives to uphold a robust and responsive law and order system across Haryana. Chairing a recent high-level meeting with Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police, the Chief Minister stressed that strict and uncompromising action must be taken against criminals, and no leniency will be tolerated.
He said that ensuring the safety and security of citizens is the foremost responsibility of the state government. There is zero room for negligence when it comes to protecting the people, he said, adding that a strong law and order framework is the very backbone of peace and sustainable development.
The Chief Minister continues to personally monitor the law and order situation across the state and frequently issues strategic directions to senior police officers. His consistent focus remains on ensuring transparency, accountability, and swift action at every administrative level.
Citing figures from the Haryana State Crime Records Bureau, the spokesperson shared that during the Congress regime (2004–2014), the average annual increase in crime was as high as 18.69%. In contrast, during the 2014–2024 period, most crime categories, except snatching, have shown negative growth trends. For example, murder cases increased from 733 in 2004 to 1,106 in 2014, reflecting a 3.81% annual increase. However, by 2024, the number of murder cases declined to 966, demonstrating a significant drop.
From January 1 to June 30, 2025, the state recorded a clear reduction in several major crime categories compared to the same period in 2024. Murder cases decreased by 7%, robbery dropped by 30.13%, snatching incidents reduced by 11.64%, burglary went down by 13.27%, general theft declined by 6.55%, and rape cases fell by 26.14%. There was also a 16.67% drop in kidnapping cases and a 16.90% reduction in molestation and sexual harassment cases.
The spokesperson said that under a major crackdown on organized crime and criminal networks, STF Haryana, in coordination with other law enforcement agencies, has arrested a large number of wanted criminals, gangsters, gang members, and those involved in serious crimes since 2023. STF has arrested 433 most-wanted criminals with cash rewards on their heads, 248 gangsters and gang members, and 792 individuals involved in heinous crimes since 2023 till date.
In several high-profile encounters, STF Haryana neutralised some of the most notorious criminals. These include Ashish alias Lallu, Sunny Kharad, and Vicky Ridhana, accused in multiple heinous crimes, including Sunder murder case in murthal, Sonipat, the Mahindra showroom firing case in Hisar.
Deepak alias Furtilla, linked to a triple murder at a liquor vend near Delhi Bypass in Rohtak, was killed in an encounter. Sagar, involved in the murder of BSP leader Harbilas in Naraiangarh, was also killed in encounter with STF Ambala.
Romil Vohra, a wanted criminal involved in the December 2024 triple murder in Kheri Lakha Singh village of Yamunanagar, the murder of liquor trader Shantanu in Shahabad, and other heinous crimes, was killed during an encounter with STF Haryana Police. In 2024, Haryana Police was involved in 42 encounters with gang-linked criminals. In these incidents, 7 dreaded criminals were killed and 57 others were seriously injured. So far in 2025, 33 such encounters have taken place in which 5 notorious criminals were killed and 44 others seriously injured. In all these encounters, Haryana Police personnel showed extraordinary bravery by risking their lives and confronting heavily armed criminals.
The STF has also actively pursued international fugitives. In coordination with central agencies, STF Haryana has issued 83 Look Out Circulars (LOCs), 37 Red Corner Notices (RCNs), 27 Interpol references, and initiated the cancellation of 21 passports. Notably, 9 absconding criminals who were operating from abroad and orchestrating serious crimes in Haryana have been successfully deported or extradited, dismantling their gang networks in the state.
Additionally, some criminals who are hiding in foreign countries like rats in burrows and still committing crimes will be brought out and eliminated. The process of their extradition is underway in coordination with the concerned central agencies. The extradition process for criminals hiding in the USA, UK, Georgia, and Australia is in its final stages, and they will soon be brought back to Haryana.
To further improve law enforcement, digital surveillance systems have been strengthened at both police station and district levels. The expansion of CCTV networks, women helpline services, crime control rooms, and the establishment of fast-track courts have expedited the judicial process and enhanced public safety mechanisms.