Delhi: For the fourth consecutive year, Kolkata has emerged as India’s safest city, according to the latest National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) 2023 report. Among 19 major Indian metros with populations above 20 lakh, the city recorded the lowest rate of cognisable offences — 83.9 per lakh population, showing a steady decline from 86.5 in 2022 and 103.5 in 2021.
This sustained performance places Kolkata ahead of cities like Pune, Hyderabad, and Chennai. Police officials attribute the trend to the use of surveillance technology, stronger night patrolling, improved community policing, and a visible focus on women’s safety.
Equally significant is the improvement in crime against women. The NCRB data reveals a drop from 1,890 cases in 2022 to 1,746 in 2023. The city’s **crime rate against women—25.7 per lakh population—**remains one of the lowest in India’s major metros, a fact that has drawn both praise and scrutiny.
Mamata Credits Kolkata Police, Warns Critics Against ‘Maligning the State’
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee lauded the Kolkata Police for maintaining peace and safety in the city. At a recent public programme, she remarked, “Kolkata is the safest city in the country, and its police are among the most efficient. People can move freely even at midnight because of the confidence they have in our police. There may be one or two stray incidents, but overall, citizens live in peace.”
Reacting to critics who question Bengal’s law and order, Banerjee added, “According to NCRB, Kolkata has been adjudged the safest city for years. Those trying to malign the state with false narratives are ignoring these facts. I am not bothered by criticism, but I will protest if West Bengal is misrepresented.”
Leaders from her party, the Trinamool Congress (TMC), echoed her sentiment. Minister Shashi Panja said, “The NCRB data vindicates our claim that Kolkata is safe and exposes the baseless political rhetoric of the opposition.” Mayor Firhad Hakim attributed the consistent record to “proactive policing, citizen cooperation, and use of modern technology.”
Opposition Questions Data, Cites Underreporting Concerns
While the ruling TMC celebrated the NCRB findings, opposition leaders voiced skepticism. BJP’s Rahul Sinha claimed the ranking “does not reflect ground reality,” alleging that “many crimes go unreported or FIRs are not registered.” Similarly, state BJP president Shamik Bhattacharya called the ranking “a joke of the year,” asserting that NCRB data relies on state-submitted records.
Critics also pointed to the RG Kar Medical College rape-murder case, arguing that high-profile incidents often expose flaws in law enforcement despite positive statistics. The victim’s father told media outlets, “At least 90 per cent of incidents are not registered as FIRs. This report ignores harsh ground realities.”
However, data at the state level presents a broader picture. West Bengal’s overall cognisable crime rate—181.6 per lakh population—remains well below the national average of 433. Experts believe this consistency reflects an improvement in administrative monitoring and an active police network that prioritizes quick response and public trust.
Despite the political debate, the NCRB report reinforces Kolkata’s image as one of the most secure and livable cities in India. While underreporting and isolated cases remain concerns, the downward trend in overall crime and crimes against women indicates that Bengal’s capital continues to chart a positive trajectory in urban safety and governance.
