Tripura Crime Rate Drops 19.4% as CM Saha Warns Against Social Media Misuse

Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on Tuesday announced a significant 19.4% drop in the state’s crime rate, marking a crucial milestone in the government's efforts to ensure law and order. Addressing the press in Agartala, he attributed the decline to proactive policing, community engagement, and technological upgrades in surveillance. He said that the state’s law enforcement agencies have worked tirelessly to curb criminal activity through enhanced patrolling, rapid response systems, and a visible police presence in vulnerable areas. The Chief Minister praised the role of the Home Department and state police in swiftly identifying and addressing threats before they escalated. He highlighted the importance of community policing as a tool for crime prevention. According to him, citizen participation and increased awareness about public safety played a vital role in reducing criminal cases across both urban and rural Tripura. He emphasized that trust between the public and the police has grown significantly in recent months. Dr. Saha also warned against the growing misuse of social media platforms. He said that while digital tools provide avenues for communication and information sharing, they are increasingly being exploited to spread misinformation and incite communal disharmony. He issued a stern warning to those who engage in malicious online activities and confirmed that the state cybercrime cell has intensified its monitoring efforts. He further revealed that the government has instructed law enforcement agencies to act decisively against any attempts to disrupt peace through fake news, doctored videos, or hate speech. He called upon citizens, especially youth, to use social media responsibly and verify facts before sharing content that could spark unrest. Officials from the Tripura Police confirmed that they have filed multiple FIRs in the past month related to cyber offenses and online threats. They also conducted digital literacy campaigns in schools and colleges to educate young people about the legal consequences of misusing social platforms. In a bid to further strengthen the crime prevention framework, the Chief Minister announced the deployment of more surveillance drones in sensitive zones and expansion of CCTV coverage in public spaces. He said that the government will soon launch a mobile app where citizens can report crimes anonymously and seek police help without delay. Dr. Saha also appreciated the role of women police personnel and self-help groups in spreading awareness and ensuring community safety. He said that his government will continue empowering these groups through training and financial assistance. Tripura has seen frequent law-and-order challenges in the past, particularly related to insurgency, political rivalry, and border-related crimes. However, over the last two years, the government claims to have tightened border security and coordinated more closely with central agencies to tackle cross-border smuggling and infiltration. The Chief Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a peaceful Tripura. He stressed that economic development, tourism, and investment can only thrive in an environment of stability. He said that the recent decline in crime rate shows that Tripura is on the right path and called upon citizens to remain vigilant and cooperative. With law enforcement and public cooperation at the forefront, Tripura aims to build a safer future, free from both offline and online threats.