Besides this, 40 personnel were awarded major punishments, which include 12 dismissals from service (two sub-inspectors and one other rank officer) whereas 48 were awarded minor punishments.

Jain said there was only one case of kidnapping for ransom in 2008 which was promptly worked out by the police and the child was recovered safely. The police managed to arrest the kidnappers within three days of the incident, he said.

Police also managed to bust 19 gangs of vehicle lifters and snatchers with the arrest of around 100 criminals in the year 2008.

He further said that 159 proclaimed offenders were arrested in 2008. Also, 4460 cases of pending investigations were disposed of leading to only 1629 cases at present being under investigation.

The conviction rate was 61.85 per cent last year with 1555 convictions against 959 acquittals. Two helplines were also launched this year. The IGP said a toll free four-digit number was launched in order to provide quick and responsive access to senior citizens.

The other one is a special helpline (99159-73100) for the public to provide information regarding narcotics and drug peddlers.