India registered a decline in overall crime in 2024. But National Crime Records Bureau data shows the country is now dealing with a different kind of threat, one that is more digital than physical.
The NCRB’s Crime in India 2024 report shows India recorded 58.8 lakh cognisable crimes in 2024, down six per cent from 62.4 lakh in 2023. Murder cases also declined by 2.4 per cent, while crimes against women saw a marginal fall of 1.5 per cent.
Rise in cybercrimes
On the other hand, India saw an around 18 per cent rise in cybercrimes. There were more than 1 lakh cybercrime cases in 2024, the highest on record.
Fraud was the dominant motive behind cybercrimes in 2024, accounting for 73,987 cases, or nearly 73 per cent of the total cases registered. Meanwhile, cases linked to sexual exploitation stood at 5,710, and cyber extortion accounted for 2,530 cases. More than 1,900 cases were registered under crimes aimed at causing disrepute. Telangana alone registered 27,230 cases, followed by Karnataka.
Other crimes
Crime against women saw a marginal 1.5 per cent decline in 2024, with 4,41,534 cases registered across the country. Despite the dip, domestic violence continued to account for the largest share of offences against women. Kidnapping and abduction of women constituted the second-largest category, followed by assault on women with intent to outrage modesty and rape cases.
Children remained among the most vulnerable groups in 2024, with crimes against children rising nearly six per cent to 1,87,702 cases. Delhi recorded the country’s highest crime rate against children at 138.4 cases per lakh child population.
Kidnapping and abduction of children was the single largest category, accounting for 82,847 cases registered during the year. Cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences or POCSO Act also remained high at 64,966.
India recorded 27,049 murder cases in 2024, down 2.4 per cent from 27,721 cases in 2023. Property and land disputes, family conflicts, and personal enmity were the dominant drivers. Among metros, Delhi’s 504 murders stood far above those of other cities.
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