Delhi Police chief flags manipulation of crime data, orders strict action

Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golchha has raised serious concerns about a rising trend in the department where incidents reported to the Police Control Room (PCR) are not being registered as FIRs, allegedly to portray lower crime figures.

According to sources, during a recent weekly crime review meeting, Commissioner Golchha observed that several PCR-reported crime calls were being “burped” or dismissed without being formally registered as FIRs.

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The commissioner has issued strict orders stating that any attempt to manipulate crime figures by bypassing FIR registration will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

To prevent such manipulation, the commissioner introduced corrective measures, including enhancing the PCR Unit’s feedback system. Under the new protocol, officers will now obtain direct feedback from complainants to ensure proper follow-up on PCR-reported incidents.

Golcha has also ordered that the PCR unit be staffed adequately to strengthen monitoring and ensure greater accountability.

Additionally, the “Green Sheet” system, which cross-checks PCR-reported complaints against FIRs at police stations, will now be monitored daily. Any discrepancies between the records will be promptly reported to senior officers for strict action.

An officer who attended the meeting revealed that a significant number of PCR-reported complaints are not being converted into FIRs, with many being suppressed at the district level.

Although the Green Sheet system has been in place for some time, police officials say additional checks and new mechanisms are needed to ensure greater transparency. The department is considering fresh measures to tackle the issue, including increasing staff in the PCR unit.

A similar pattern has reportedly emerged in cybercrime cases. To enhance accountability, starting November 1, filing an FIR has been made mandatory for all cyber-related complaints involving financial fraud exceeding Rs 1 lakh.

A senior officer stated that the issue of under-reporting has been raised in the past two consecutive weekly meetings.

Commissioner Golchha, in the latest session, reviewed comparative data on PCR calls and FIR registrations, asking district officers to explain the discrepancies.

The official added that the frequent crimes and encounters in the national capital, not being accurately reflected in official records, clearly show that Delhi Police’s data does not capture the true extent of crime in the city.