The latest annual crime data from Chandigarh presents a mixed picture for the year 2025. While the city witnessed a significant decline in street crimes like snatching, there was a concerning surge in crimes against minors, including rape and molestation. Police also intensified actions against drug peddling, illegal arms, and immigration fraud.
Mixed Trends in Violent and Property Crimes
According to the official statistics, snatching cases fell by 24% in 2025. A total of 100 such incidents were registered across 16 police stations, down from 131 in the previous year. Overall, heinous crimes saw a slight dip, with 412 cases registered compared to 418 in 2024. The police claimed an impressive 88% resolution rate for these serious offences.
However, the data highlighted a deeply troubling trend in crimes targeting children. The city recorded 66 cases of rape involving minors, a sharp increase from 47 cases in 2024. Similarly, molestation cases of minor girls rose to 14 from 8 the year before. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kanwardeep Kaur emphasized the force's zero-tolerance policy towards crimes against women and minors, stating that all rape cases from 2025 were solved and investigations begin immediately upon complaint.
Police Crackdown on Narcotics, Arms, and Fraud
On the enforcement front, Chandigarh Police tightened its grip on organized and other crimes. Actions under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act were significantly ramped up, with 149 cases registered – 59 more than 2024 – leading to the arrest of 235 suspects. Enforcement of the Arms Act also saw an increase, with 100 cases filed against 77 the previous year.
A major crackdown was launched against unauthorized immigration companies. Police registered 129 cheating cases against owners and employees of 92 firms accused of duping people with false promises of sending them abroad. Furthermore, 70 First Information Reports (FIRs) were filed against 73 firms, and 73 individuals were booked under Section 223 of the new BNS-2023 for violating District Magistrate orders.
In a significant operation, the police busted an inter-state fake currency racket, arresting four suspects involved in circulating counterfeit Rs 500 notes. Fake currency with a face value of nearly Rs 22.4 lakh was seized from their possession.
Terror Module Busted and Civic Discipline Enforced
The year also saw critical successes in counter-terrorism. Police apprehended Joban Jit Singh alias Billa and Sumandeep alias Simma, identified as members of the Happy Passia terror module, from Sector 39. The arrest foiled a potential terror attack. The accused allegedly tried to threaten police with pistols before being disarmed. Joban is a wanted suspect in multiple cases, including an RPG attack in Gurdaspur and shootings in Amritsar.
In a separate operation in June, Harwant Singh alias Harry, a member of the Babbar Khalsa terrorist group, was arrested from village Daria. His activities, including firings in Punjab, were allegedly directed by Pakistan-based handlers like Harwinder Singh Rinda through intermediaries Manu Agwan and Happy Pasia.
To improve civic discipline, police actively curbed public drinking, registering 200 cases and arresting 220 people for consuming liquor in public places.
Director General of Police (DGP) Dr. Sagar Preet Hooda attributed the slight decline in heinous crimes to sustained, proactive, and intelligence-led policing. He credited effective investigation and timely follow-up for the high case resolution rate this year.
