With 52 murders, city 4th among metros

Ludhiana: As many as 52 murders were reported in Ludhiana in 2020, as per the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report. The crime’s rate puts the industrial hub at fourth position among 34 metropolitan cities of India.
The NCRB data shows that of 52, the maximum murders (23) were due to disputes—twelve were the result of family feuds, six of petty quarrels, three of property fights and two of clashes over water.
Besides, eight killings were for personal gains, five due to illicit relations, five were blind murders, four were committed during robberies or dacoity and seven had other motives.
Of the murder victims, 35 were men and 17 women. As per the age break-up, four minors, including three boys and a girl, and 48 adults were killed.
Among the 34 metro cities, Faridabad is at the top with 62 murders, followed by Ranchi (56), Jamshedpur (54), Ludhiana (52), Asansol (51), Bhopal (47), Jabalpur and Dhanbad (44) and Meerut (42).
In the state, Amritsar reported 34 murders and Chandigarh 22.
In Ludhiana in 2018, as many as 53 murder cases were reported and 56 in 2019.
Deputy commissioner of police (investigation) SPS Dhindsa said, “Covid broke out in 2020 and a lockdown was imposed. People were forced to stay home and due to this, several disputes in families and neighbourhoods were reported. This could be a reason for family disputes resulting in maximum murders. Illicit relationship is another major cause of murders in the city.”