Since assuming office in 2017, Yogi Adityanath has undeniably reshaped Uttar Pradesh’s law and order landscape. His administration’s unwavering zero-tolerance stance on crime, epitomized by the ‘bulldozer model’ and assertive policing, has demonstrably deterred criminals and reduced public offences. Even opposition voices acknowledge the decline of the ‘jungle raj’ that previously plagued the state.

However, while visible crimes like robberies, kidnappings, and street harassment have decreased, persistent social ills – domestic violence, dowry deaths, and escalating road accidents – cast a shadow on the state’s progress. This paradox reveals the undeniable achievements and the remaining challenges of Adityanath's governance.

Read in Hindi: उत्तर प्रदेश में पहले से बेहतर हुई है कानून व्यवस्था

The contrast with the previous administration is stark. BJP leaders point to the Akhilesh Yadav-led Samajwadi Party government (2012-2017), often criticized for its perceived leniency towards crime, where political patronage allegedly shielded offenders. The 2016 National Crime Records Bureau data, the final full year of Yadav’s tenure, paints a grim picture: 284 dacoities, 1,224 robberies, 9,855 kidnappings, 4,889 murders, and 4,444 rapes.

Adityanath's approach has been markedly different, aggressively targeting organized and street-level crime. By 2020, dacoity cases fell by 57 per cent, robberies by 35 per cent, and kidnappings by 19 per cent. The state government claims even more significant reductions, attributing this to over 10,900 police encounters since 2017, resulting in the elimination of 222 hardened criminals by 2025. They claim that the establishment of Anti-Romeo Squads in 2017 curbed harassment and street abuse while enhanced patrolling and rapid response systems, effectively reduced gang-related activities. These measures have instilled a palpable sense of fear among criminals and bolstered public confidence in law enforcement.

However, certain categories of crime remain alarmingly high. Domestic violence, dowry deaths, and acquaintance-based sexual assaults have shown minimal decline, highlighting the limitations of a purely law-and-order approach. Dowry deaths remain distressingly prevalent (2,138 in 2022 vs. 2,244 in 2016). While rape cases have decreased from 4,444 in 2016 to 3,690 in 2022, Uttar Pradesh still records alarmingly high numbers, with the majority of offenders known to their victims.

This underscores the need for a nuanced strategy beyond aggressive policing. Addressing private sphere offences requires a holistic approach, integrating strict enforcement with social reform, gender sensitization, and robust victim support systems.

The alarming rise in road accidents presents another critical challenge. Despite infrastructure development, road fatalities have surged from 20,124 in 2016 to over 22,000 in 2021. The increase in hit-and-run cases highlights significant gaps in traffic policing and road safety measures.

Overall, Yogi Adityanath’s tenure has undeniably transformed Uttar Pradesh’s law and order framework, particularly in curbing high-profile crimes. His administration’s robust policing, technological upgrades, and emphasis on swift justice have set a new benchmark for governance.

However, the persistent challenges of domestic violence, dowry crimes, and escalating road accidents underscore that law enforcement alone is insufficient. A truly secure Uttar Pradesh demands Gender-sensitive policing to address familial and acquaintance-based crimes, Comprehensive traffic management reforms to reduce accidents and targeted community engagement programs to tackle deep-rooted social issues.

While Adityanath’s model has effectively restored public order, the next phase must prioritize holistic safety, balancing enforcement with social transformation. Only then can Uttar Pradesh claim a truly comprehensive improvement in its law and order situation.