Seven-Times Increase In Conviction Rate In Maharashtra 

Mumbai, 22nd August 2022: In the absence of strong evidence that can stand up in court at all levels, the accused of serious crimes are often not punished. Over the past few years, the police have made continuous efforts to correct this error, increasing the use of modern technology in the investigation of serious crimes, training of experts for a thorough investigation and proper coordination have led to a rapid increase in the conviction rate of the accused in serious crimes.

Eight to ten years ago, the conviction rate of the accused in Maharashtra was only 8.2 per cent. Now it has increased by almost seven times and the punishment rate has reached 55.36 per cent.

Due to measures taken by the government, Home Affairs and the police, the punishment of the accused in serious crimes has increased seven times in the last ten years. The state government has taken some important decisions to punish the accused.

Often the accused are acquitted due to a lack of strong evidence. So efforts were made to get the maximum punishment for the accused. A central monitoring committee was constituted to check the failure to submit the investigation documents properly, the documents and other matters in time before submitting the charge sheet against the accused in court.

Through this committee, training was given on the presentation of the charge sheet. Training on every stage of the investigation was provided online by Maharashtra Police Prabodhini in Nashik.

Serious crimes are investigated by the police in different cities of the state and evidence and documents are submitted to the court. In 2021, Nandurbar Police tried to conduct a proper investigation and punish the accused.

The conviction rate in Nandurbar is 92.13 per cent. Below that, the conviction rate in Mira Bhayander, Vasai-Virar Police Commissionerate is 89.63 per cent. In Mumbai Lohmarg Police Force, this ratio is 86.67 per cent, Raigad 79.70 per cent, Ratnagiri 78.89 per cent, Sindhudurg 78.57 per cent.

After the commencement of a serious criminal trial, witnesses often become deposed. Witnesses are threatened by accomplices of the accused. To avoid such cases, it is necessary to trust the witnesses. They have to provide police protection from time to time.

Kerala has the highest rate of punishment for the accused in the country. In Maharashtra, the conviction rate of the accused is 55 per cent. Officials of the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) informed that efforts are underway to increase this amount by another 20 per cent.

It was said that the training provided at every stage of the investigation, the training provided for collecting strong evidence, and forensic evidence is important for convicting the accused.