Robbery cases rise in Bhopal, instances of theft, burglaries dip:Cops prepare files of 688 criminals, 47 history sheeters of the city

Bhopal has witnessed a noticeable rise in robbery incidents within the first ten months of 2025, compared to the last two years, the data provided by the Bhopal Police Commissionerate suggested. However, the city police have managed to bring down theft and burglary cases to a certain extent, as per senior police officials. According to official data, the Bhopal Police have prepared 688 criminal (gunda) files and 47 history sheets to keep track of repeat offenders. The initiative, as per senior police officials of the city, aims to tighten control over habitual criminals and prevent organised crime in the capital. Zero tolerance policy towards crime: Bhopal’s top cop Commenting on the issue, Bhopal Police Commissioner Harinarayanachari Mishra said, He further added that action has also been taken against drug traffickers under recent intensive operations. Trends in robbery, dacoity cases Notably, in 2023, not a single case of dacoity (armed robbery) was reported in Bhopal, according to the data. Two such cases were recorded in 2024, while none have been registered so far in 2025. In 2024, three cases of planning dacoity were recorded, leading to the arrest of over 18 suspects. In 2025, the police registered two similar cases, arresting more than 12 individuals during the early stages of planning. Chain snatching incidents have also shown an uptick in the city. While four cases each were recorded in 2023 and 2024, five cases have already been reported in the first ten months of 2025, marking a 20% increase. Thefts, burglaries see a dip Theft and burglary incidents in Bhopal, as per the data, have decreased compared to previous years. In 2023, 376 burglary and 466 theft cases were reported, while in 2024, the figures stood at 418 and 361, respectively. So far in 2025, 316 burglary and 330 theft cases have been registered, which is a clear sign that police efforts to curb property crimes are showing results.