Patna: The Bihar Home Department, during a press conference organized by the Public Relations Department, showcased the state government’s significant strides in law enforcement and public safety. Principal Secretary Arvind Kumar Chaudhary underscored the government’s commitment to ensuring a fear-free society through transparent administration and robust law enforcement.
Crime Control Achievements
From January to November 2024, Bihar Police arrested 3,00,526 accused individuals and seized 92 regular weapons, 4,861 illegal firearms, and 165 country-made bombs. The crackdown also led to the closure of 83 illegal small gun factories. Compared to 2023, incidents of robbery, theft, and riots saw reductions of 15.36%, 5.93%, and 15.82%, respectively.
Proactive measures have also reduced communal tension across the state. Sanctions for prosecution were granted in 1,025 cases related to communal incidents, with districts directed to file charge sheets promptly.
The Bihar Crime Control Act, 2024, effective from March 14, replaced the earlier 1981 law to bolster crime control efforts.
Anti-Naxal Operations
Naxal activity, once prevalent in 10 districts, has been restricted to eight districts, primarily in forested areas near the Bihar-Jharkhand border. In 2024, security forces arrested 120 Naxalites, seized 146 landmines and 134kg of explosives, and dismantled numerous operations.
Under the Special Infrastructure Scheme, ₹37.83 crore has been allocated for upgrading police and intelligence infrastructure in insurgency-affected districts.
Tackling Cyber and Economic Crimes
The establishment of 44 cyber police stations across Bihar has strengthened the fight against cybercrime. By October 2024, 5,187 cybercrime cases were reported, with 571 arrests made. Additionally, Bihar leads in call responsiveness on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, ranking fifth nationwide in preventing cyber fraud transactions.
The state’s Economic Offences Unit reported the confiscation of assets worth ₹51.91 crore under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). In 2024 alone, law enforcement seized over 13,000kg of cannabis and substantial quantities of other narcotics, leading to 1,333 arrests.
Alcohol Prohibition Enforcement
Since implementing the liquor ban in 2016, the state has registered 4,89,033 cases and seized over 1.6 crore litres of illegal liquor. In 2024, the drive against illicit alcohol remained a priority.
Emergency Response and Public Safety
The Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) – dial-112 – has expanded state-wide, integrating police, ambulance, and fire services. With 1,833 vehicles deployed, the service now handles 72,000 daily calls, achieving an average response time of 15 minutes. A pilot project for women’s safe travel launched in six districts has now been extended across the state.
Modernizing the Police Force
Under the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS), 968 police stations now digitize station diaries, FIRs, and case records in real-time. Bihar’s performance in the NCRB’s CCTNS dashboard improved to 84.27% in November 2024, a significant leap from 54.9% last year.
To enhance policing capacity, recruitment for 21,391 constable positions is underway. Infrastructure upgrades include the construction of 664 police station buildings and specialized barracks for female constables.
Prison Reforms
Efforts to modernize Bihar’s prison system include the introduction of the Mukti brand for products made by inmates and the establishment of jail radios in 41 facilities. Construction of additional cells, barracks, and frisking rooms is progressing, alongside initiatives to block unauthorized mobile communications within prisons.
Focus on Land Dispute Resolution
The ‘Bhoo-Samadhan Portal’ launched by the Home Department has expedited the resolution of land disputes. Of the 65,804 applications submitted, 51,789 cases have been resolved. Land dispute-related murders, previously 60% of total homicides in 2021, have dropped to 46.69% in 2023.
Recognizing Service and Welfare
The state’s Directorate of Sainik Welfare increased financial assistance for martyred soldiers’ families and widows of ex-servicemen. The Bihar Home Guard Corps also saw infrastructure and training upgrades, with 11,180 personnel trained this year.
Fire Services Preparedness
Bihar Fire Services now operates 798 firefighting vehicles, including advanced hydraulic platforms. Awareness campaigns conducted this year included 3,15,318 mock drills and 32,019 street-level programs to educate citizens about fire safety.
Future Plans
The state aims to strengthen inter-agency data exchange through the Inter-Operable Criminal Justice System 2.0 and continue modernizing forensic capabilities with new regional labs in Bhagalpur and Muzaffarpur.
During the conference, Director General of Police Vinay Kumar emphasized the state’s commitment to leveraging innovation and infrastructure to ensure public safety. Senior officials, including Home Department Secretary Pranav Kumar, were also present at the event.
