Hyderabad: The changing nature of crime, the growing role of technology in policing and the importance of civic responsibility were discussed at a literary event featuring former Telangana DGP and former Hyderabad Police Commissioner Anjani Kumar.
The discussion centred on Patrick Radden Keefe’s book London Falling and examined how its portrayal of London’s criminal underworld connects with changing crime patterns in cities such as Hyderabad.
The event was organised by The Lit People, a book club founded by Kalpana Sinha and Unnati Ved.
Anjani Kumar on Hyderabad’s Changing Crime Landscape
Drawing on his decades of policing experience, Anjani Kumar said the basic nature of crime remains broadly similar across major cities such as Hyderabad, New York and Paris. However, the scale and methods used by criminals have changed significantly.
He observed that Hyderabad has undergone a major transformation in its crime landscape. Traditional offences such as petty theft have increasingly been accompanied by sophisticated cybercrimes driven by rapid advances in technology.
Kumar also highlighted technology-based initiatives introduced by the Hyderabad Police. These include digitised traffic management systems and automated fine collection mechanisms designed to reduce human intervention and improve efficiency.
He stressed that technology can play an important role in modern policing, particularly as criminals increasingly use digital tools to commit offences.
Civic Responsibility Key to Crime Prevention
Kumar also emphasised that preventing crime cannot be the responsibility of the police alone. He said society must actively condemn criminal behaviour and respond to offences such as harassment, molestation, assault and digital fraud.
According to him, sustained public pressure can encourage institutions and governments to take timely action against criminal activity.
The discussion brought together literature, policing and civic responsibility. It highlighted how books can provide a platform for wider conversations about crime, governance and the changing realities of modern cities.
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