The crimes committed allegedly by Bangladeshis among foreigners in India last year were the maximum as compared to those done by other nationalities, suggests a recent study conducted by a government agency of the neighboring country.
Nigerian and Nepalese nationals, too, accounted for a large chunk in the crime pie, The New Indian Express reports citing the data recently revealed by National Crime Records Bureau (NBRC).
However, the criminal offences reportedly committed by Rohingya migrants in Indian is much lower than feared, even though the Indian government repeatedly expresses concerns about the presence of the Myanmar nationals, terming them a threat to national security.
According to the data, a total of 7,686 foreigners were allegedly found to be on the wrong side of law by Indian police authorities.
At least 1,937 cases—mostly for trespass-- were registered against foreign nationals in 2020 as compared to 2,652 cases that were registered against foreigners a year ago, showing a decrease of 27%.
Of the total accused foreigners, Bangladesh had the highest share (25.4%) followed by Nigeria (5.5%), Nepal (3.3%) and then Myanmar which accounted for 2.3% of the total accused foreigners last year.
Interestingly, no case of terror, rape or keeping arms was registered against any Myanmar national last year.
A total of 1956 Bangladesh nationals were booked by investigating agencies last year, 305 of whom were booked for crimes under the Passport Act. The accused also included 16 under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act and six were booked under the Arms Act.
Crimes against foreigners
Also notably, a dip was observed both in the crimes committed by foreigners, as well as in the crimes committed against foreigners in 2020, as compared to the previous year.
The fall in cases is in keeping with the larger national trend in which a decrease in "traditional crimes" such as sexual crimes or economic offences due to the pandemic induced lockdown and resultant restrictions, was seen. Fewer people traveled as tourists across the globe due to Covid-19.
A total of 191 crimes were registered in 2020 for crime against foreigners - tourists as well as residents - as compared to 404 cases in 2019, showing a decrease of 52.7%.
Most of the cases registered were of theft (52) and rape (16). Out of 248 victims in 191 registered cases, 50 % of the victims were from Asia (124) followed by 25.4% of victims from Europe (63).
