Cybercrime soars over 400% in rural, semi-urban India
New Delhi: Cybercrime in India has surged by more than 400% over the last four years, with rural and semi-urban areas emerging as the new epicentres of digital fraud, according to data from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
The data, cited by The New Indian Express, revealed that a sharp rise in internet penetration and online transactions has led to a shift in cybercrime reporting from metropolitan cities to smaller towns and villages. States like Bihar, Odisha, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, and Telangana have seen dramatic increases in complaints, highlighting growing vulnerabilities in regions with limited cyber awareness.
Data from the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP), also cited by TNIE, shows a steep jump in reported cybercrime cases—from 4,52,429 in 2021 to 22,68,346 in 2024. In the first six months of 2025 alone, 12,47,393 cases have already been logged, putting the year on course for another grim record. This more-than-400 percent surge between 2021 and 2024 represents one of the fastest growth rates in digital crime globally.
Maharashtra recorded the highest number of total cybercrime cases in 2024, with 3,03,173 incidents—up from 40,987 in 2021, reflecting a 640% rise.
Telangana witnessed a staggering 1,000% increase in cybercrime complaints, while Odisha's cases surged from 6,053 in 2021 to 53,488 in 2024, marking a 783% rise. Gujarat reported an 825% jump, and Karnataka, despite being a technology hub, saw a 764% increase, going from 19,609 cases in 2021 to 1,69,384 in 2024.
In response, the MHA’s Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) has rolled out key initiatives such as the Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting System and helpline 1930. These efforts have helped recover over Rs 5,489 crore across 17.8 lakh complaints.
Additionally, over 9.42 lakh SIM cards and 2.63 lakh IMEIs have been blocked to curb fraudulent activity. Cyber forensic-cum-training labs have been established in 33 states and union territories, and more than 24,600 police and judicial personnel have received training in cybercrime investigation and response.
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Yogish Gowda murder case: HC issues notice to CBI after hearing Kulkarni’s plea
Bengaluru: Karnataka High Court has issued a notice to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) following the filing of application by Congress MLA Vinay Kulkarni and Chandrashekhar Indi challenging the life imprisonment awarded to them by the Special Court for murder of BJP Dharwad leader Yogish Gowda.
The divisional bench comprising Justices Muhammad Nawaz and T Venkatesh Naik heard the pleas filed by Kulkarni on April 15 and Chandrashekhar Indi also called Chandu Mama on April 16.
The bench has now issued a notice to the CBI and also directed the HC Registry to obtain the trial court documents before adjourning the hearing.
