New police chief will have his hands full

With the appointment of Shashi Bhushan Kumar Singh as the Delhi Police Commissioner, a host of challenges awaits the veteran officer.

From the Capital’s complex law-and-order environment and political sensitivities to the rise of street crime and gangsterism, Singh steps into a demanding role at a crucial juncture.

Street crimes

Street crimes, including snatching, stabbing and motor vehicle theft, remain persistent threats across the city. Despite targeted patrolling in identified hotspots, incidents have continued throughout the year, causing widespread concern among residents.

According to the Delhi Police data, dacoity cases have increased by 23 per cent, while burglaries are up by 25.2 per cent as compared to 2023. While the police have intensified patrolling, the situation remains a significant challenge for the incoming Commissioner.

Extortion rackets, gang activity

Extortion has emerged as a primary revenue source for organised gangs in Delhi, with fresh cases reported almost daily. High-profile incidents like the murder of a gym owner in South Delhi and a shootout at a Burger King outlet underscore the growing brazenness of these groups.

Most of these syndicates, including notorious Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar gangs, operate transnationally. They typically target vulnerable businesspersons through intimidation and threats, often deploying juveniles to execute attacks if demands are not met. The Delhi Police have identified at least 11 active extortion gangs with networks spanning local and international fronts.

Escalating drug crisis

Synthetic drug abuse has reached alarming levels in Delhi-NCR. According to a joint survey by the Ministry of Social Justice and AIIMS, the region’s drug abuse rates are significantly higher than the national average. Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena has set an ambitious target to eliminate drug abuse in Delhi by 2027 – a goal that Singh must act swiftly to realise within a constrained timeline.

Traffic woes

Delhi’s growing traffic congestion is another critical issue, driven by rapid population growth, increasing vehicle numbers and inadequate infrastructure planning.

A Delhi Police survey conducted in March 2024 identified 134 traffic bottlenecks across the city. Primary causes include construction work by multiple civic bodies, illegal encroachments and high vehicle density. Despite repeated complaints, the traffic police have struggled to clear encroachments that severely disrupt traffic flow.

Experts suggest that strategic deployment of traffic personnel at key intersections and decisive removal of unauthorised vendors could offer immediate relief.

City residents now look to Singh to prioritise road decongestion and enforce stricter measures to reclaim public spaces.

Delhi