Bengaluru accounts for over 51% of all cybercrimes in metro cities in 2023: NCRB data
Bengaluru: In a concerning revelation, Bengaluru has emerged as the leading city in cybercrime incidents, contributing to over 51% of all cybercrimes reported across India's 19 major metropolitan cities in 2023, according to newly released data by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).
According to data, as cited by The Hindu, out of the 21,889 cases registered across the state, Bengaluru alone reported 17,631 cases. The alarming rise in cybercrime incidents underscores the city's vulnerability, with the IT hub’s cybercrime rate standing at a worrying 207.4 cases per lakh population — over seven times the national average.
Of the 21,889 cases registered across the state, Bengaluru alone reported 17,631 cases. The alarming rise in cybercrime incidents underscores the city's vulnerability, with Bengaluru's cybercrime rate standing at a worrying 207.4 cases per lakh population — over seven times the national average.
Over the past three years, Bengaluru has witnessed a massive spike in cybercrimes. From 6,423 cases in 2021, to 9,940 in 2022, and now over 17,600 in 2023, the surge reflects an evolving threat landscape. The NCRB data identifies two primary motives behind these crimes: fraud and sexual exploitation.
Though the number of cases slightly decreased in 2024, with 22,468 reported incidents, preliminary data from 2025 suggests a slight dip in cases, with 7,293 recorded so far, revealed State Crime Records as cited by The Hindu.
However, experts caution that while the frequency of crimes may be slowing, their complexity and the financial losses associated with them are escalating.
Senior law enforcement officials point to several key factors behind the surge in cybercrimes: lack of cyber hygiene, inadequate cybersecurity, low cyber awareness, and a dynamic modus operandi that succeeds due to this lack of awareness.
Another officer highlighted Karnataka’s proactive approach to tackling cybercrime. “We have better reporting mechanisms than any other state. For example, several States do not register cases where the financial loss is less than one lakh; in Karnataka, not only do we register cases with no monetary loss, but victims are encouraged to file complaints at all stations,” The Hindu quoted the officer as saying.
Despite the challenges, Karnataka's authorities are optimistic that with increased awareness, improved cybersecurity measures, and ongoing efforts by the Cyber Command Unit, the state will be better equipped to combat the growing threat of cybercrime in the coming years.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
UP Cong holds statewide protest seeking probe into FIR against Swami Avimukteshwaranand
Lucknow (PTI): The Uttar Pradesh Congress on Wednesday staged a statewide protest demanding a fair and transparent inquiry into the FIR lodged against Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati and those who filed the complaint against him.
In a statement issued here, the party said memorandums addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi were submitted through district magistrates in all districts of the state.
Uttar Pradesh Congress spokesperson Manish Hindvi told PTI that the memorandums were handed over through the district administration in all 75 districts.
In the memorandum, the party alleged that Saraswati and his disciples were "unnecessarily harassed and humiliated" by police on the occasion of Amavasya and were prevented from taking a ritual bath (at the Magh Mela). It further alleged that some disciples were manhandled and taken to a police station.
The memorandum also claimed that an FIR was later registered against Saraswati, his disciple Swami Mukundanand Brahmachari and several unidentified persons in a sexual harassment case. It termed the case a "conspiracy" aimed at tarnishing the seer's reputation.
Citing Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution, the memorandum stated that these provisions guarantee religious freedom and the right of religious denominations to manage their own affairs.
It described the position of shankaracharya held by Saraswati as "one of the highest spiritual posts in Sanatan tradition" and alleged that the entire episode appeared to have been "orchestrated in a planned manner".
"We request that the background of the persons who got the FIR registered be investigated in a transparent manner by a retired high court judge and strict action be taken against them," the memorandum said.
It also sought a "fair and transparent probe" into the allegations levelled against Saraswati so that the truth could be established.
Earlier, Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai had told reporters in Varanasi after meeting Saraswati that the party stood firmly with him.
The Congress said it would continue to press for an impartial inquiry into the entire episode.
On February 21, an FIR was lodged in Prayagraj against Saraswati and his disciple Mukundanand Brahmachari on charges of sexually abusing two persons, including a minor, over the past year at a gurukul and religious congregations, including the recently concluded Magh Mela.
Days after he was booked, Saraswati had said on Monday that he would not oppose his arrest and asserted that the "fabricated story" would be exposed sooner or later.
At a press conference on Wednesday, Saraswati alleged that criminals rule in Uttar Pradesh, level allegations and influence investigations, as he denied having any contact with the two persons for whose alleged sexual abuse he has been booked.
_vb_77.jpeg)
_vb_00.jpeg)
