Over 50,000 criminals convicted in Nitish era

Once crime-prone Bihar has set an example by conducting speedy trials under Nitish Kumar’s rule. A total of 52,343 criminals, including politicians, have been convicted in the state between January 2006 and August 2010.

The number of convictions in the last four-and-a-half years is higher than in any comparable period in decades, Bihar police chief Neelmani said. As per police records, all were convicted by fast track courts across the state. Of those convicted, 129 were sentenced to death, while 9,098 got life terms.

Earlier, only about 5,000-10,000 criminals would be convicted in a decade, Neelmani said. The high rate of convictions has led to a decline in the crime rate, he said. Also for the first time in Bihar, over a dozen MPs and legislators have been convicted.
When Nitish Kumar of the JD(U) became chief minister in

November 2005, he promised to make the state crime-free within three months. He later admitted it was not possible, but set up special courts to quickly dispense justice.

The speedy trial of criminals has been lauded by people from the state as well as from other states, additional director general of police PK Thakur said.

However, the convictions have resulted in overcrowded jails in Bihar where, for the first time, convicts outnumber undertrials. There are 40,000 prisoners lodged in 54 jails, supposed to hold a maximum of 20,000 prisoners.