According to a report of the Crime Investigation Department, Pune, these rural parts have registered an unexpected rise in the cases of murder and attempt to murder and rape.

A senior official, while voicing his concern, said, "Major crimes are usually committed in cities like Mumbai and Pune. However, the State is now witnessing a dangerous trend. We need to take a serious cognisance and draft a new strategy for the purpose."

During the month under review, Aurangabad recorded the highest-ever increase of 600 per cent in murder cases, followed by Latur (500 per cent), Jalna (400), Amravati (233), Pune (140), Beed (75), Satara (60), Bhandara (50) and Yavatmal (43).

As for attempt to murder cases are concerned, Sangli in western Maharashtra registered an increase of 400 per centfollowed by Jalna in the Marathawada region by 300 per cent, Satara and Solapur (200), Gadchiroli and Aurangabad (100).

Fifteen per cent increase in crime against women has been reported in the State. Out of the 125 cases of rape registered during the month of May, largest number of cases were registered in Solapur, followed by Akola, Bhandara, Nandurbar, Sangli, Nasik, Sindhudurg, Solapur and Navi Mumbai. In terms of percentage, Solapur registered an increase of 500 per cent, followed by Akola (300), Nasik, Sindhudurg, Bhandara (200) and Jalgaon (100).

Thane (rural) has achieved a dubious distinction of registering an increase by 500 per cent in the cases of dacoities, followed by Pune (400 per cent), Amravati (300), Buldhana, Washim, Sangli and Nanded (100).

During the month under review, the State witnessed a record number of 244 cases of robbery. Largest number of cases were reported from Dhule, followed by Akola, Nasik, Aurangabad, Gadchiroli, Nagpur Railway, Kolhapur, Beed, Pune and Raigad.

Thepolice registered a total of 349 cases of riot - one was industrial, eight were agrarian and three were political in nature. Satara recorded an increase of 700 per cent, followed by Gadchiroli (300), Pune Railway (100) and Aurangabad (67 per cent).

However, as far as the Mumbai Commissionerate is concerned, there was decline in the cases of murder, attempt to murder, rape, thefts and riots. While there was no change in the number of robberies and dacoities, the metropolis witnessed increase in cases of gambling and prohibition.

During the month under review, 260 cases of prohibition were registered in the metropolis against 190 last month. However, during the corresponding period last year, more than 450 cases were registered by the police.

Similarly, 172 cases of gambling were registered in the month, against 161 last month, while 215 cases were registered during the same period last year.