Alcohol Crimes Decline in Andhra Pradesh, Other Offenses Climb

Andhra Pradesh recorded a decline in alcohol-related offenses in 2023. At the same time, cases involving narcotics, arms, and breaches of state secrecy increased, according to the latest data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).

The state registered 15,387 cases under Special and Local Laws (SLL) last year. Prohibition Act violations fell from 8,199 in 2022 to 7,376. Excise Act offenses dropped from 5,112 to 4,775. Liquor Act cases decreased from 1,910 to 1,731. Together, these three categories accounted for nearly 90 per cent of all SLL-related incidents.

In contrast, other offenses rose. Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act cases increased from 915 to 989, marking a three-year high. Official Secrets Act violations grew from 47 to 63. Arms-related offenses inched up from 27 to 29. Forest-related crimes also rose, from 34 to 42.

Overall, SLL-linked crimes in the state have fallen steadily over three years. Total cases dropped from 42,588 in 2021 to 36,737 in 2022, and further to 30,426 in 2023.

Financial law violations remained limited. Negotiable Instruments Act cases fell from 111 to 76. Chit Funds Act offenses stayed at five. Mines and Minerals Act breaches declined from 203 to 183. Railway-related cases decreased from 44 to 38. Foreigners/Passports Act violations dropped from three to two.

Some areas, however, showed a slight rise. Information Technology Act offenses, though few at eight, nearly tripled since 2021. Explosives Act violations increased from 18 to 21. Other categories, including offenses against the state, Unlawful Activities Prevention Act violations, and tobacco control breaches, remained unchanged.

The data reflects a changing crime pattern in Andhra Pradesh. Alcohol-related offenses are falling, but challenges persist in narcotics, security, and forest protection.