The Uttar Pradesh government has claimed significant and sustained improvement in the state’s law and order situation since 2017, citing a sharp decline in crime rates, an expanded surveillance network and wide-ranging police reforms. According to the government, a strict zero-tolerance approach towards organised crime, combined with technology-driven policing, has strengthened public safety while also boosting investor confidence and administrative transparency.
Official data released by the state government indicate that a focused crackdown on organised crime and mafia networks began after 2017. During this period, properties worth more than ₹14,000 crore were seized under the Gangster Act, while over 10,000 criminals reportedly surrendered, signalling what authorities describe as a decisive shift in the state’s approach to law enforcement.
Police records further show that between March 2017 and mid-2025, law enforcement agencies carried out over 15,700 encounters across the state. Nearly 32,000 accused were arrested during these operations, while 256 alleged hardened criminals were killed. The government has said these actions weakened organised crime syndicates that had earlier enjoyed political or local influence.
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Push to raise conviction rates
A key pillar of the law and order strategy has been increasing conviction rates. Under ‘Operation Conviction’, the government claims that more than 1.04 lakh offenders have been convicted since 2023. This includes 70 death sentences and nearly 8,800 cases resulting in life imprisonment.
Officials argue that higher conviction rates have created a deterrent effect, reinforcing the credibility of the criminal justice system. “Swift investigation and effective prosecution have become central to policing reforms,” a senior official said.
The government has also highlighted improvements in communal harmony. According to official claims, Uttar Pradesh has not witnessed any major communal or religious riots since 2017. In contrast, 815 such incidents were recorded between 2012 and 2017. Maintaining peace and social stability, officials said, has remained a governance priority.
Women’s safety and surveillance push
Women’s safety initiatives such as Mission Shakti and the Safe City Project have been presented as major contributors to improved everyday security. The government said more than 47,000 CCTV cameras have been installed across urban and semi-urban areas, along with the creation of over 9,000 women police beats to ensure faster response to crimes involving women.
Crime statistics cited by the government indicate a steep fall in serious offences compared with 2016 levels. Heinous crimes have reportedly declined by up to 85%, while cases of dacoity fell by 94% and robberies by 82%. Authorities said these trends reflect improved street-level safety and public confidence in policing.
Economic impact and investment climate
Linking law and order reforms to economic outcomes, the state government said improved security conditions have made Uttar Pradesh more attractive to investors. By early 2026, the state had received investment proposals worth approximately ₹34 lakh crore.
Officials said reduced criminal interference has improved the implementation of industrial projects and welfare schemes, while enhancing transparency in governance. “A stable law and order environment is essential for sustained economic growth,” an official statement said.
Technology-led policing reforms
The government has placed strong emphasis on technology and infrastructure upgrades. Emergency response times were reduced through the UP112 service, while 126 new police stations were added across the state.
In late 2025, the AI-enabled ‘YAKSH App’ was launched to strengthen beat policing by providing real-time access to offender databases. Cyber police stations have been established in all 75 districts, alongside 12 forensic science laboratories and a dedicated forensic university aimed at improving evidence-based investigations.
According to the state administration, law and order has been positioned as a central pillar of governance. Officials argue that these reforms have contributed to social stability and economic confidence, even as political debate continues over the interpretation of crime data.
The government, however, maintains that official figures reflect a clear shift in Uttar Pradesh’s security landscape since 2017, driven by sustained policing reforms and institutional changes.
About the author – Rehan Khan is a law student and legal journalist with a keen interest in cybercrime, digital fraud, and emerging technology laws. He writes on the intersection of law, cybersecurity, and online safety, focusing on developments that impact individuals and institutions in India.
