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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Air India Express introduces late-night Bengaluru–Mangaluru service
International services at M’luru cancelled on March 7
Mangaluru: Air India Express will introduce a late-night daily flight service on the Bengaluru–Mangaluru–Bengaluru sector starting March 10, 2026.
According to the sources, flight IX 5971 will depart from Bengaluru at 9.25 pm and arrive in Mangaluru at 10.40 pm. The return flight, IX 5972, will depart from Mangaluru at 11.10 pm and reach Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, at 12.20 am.
The additional service will operate daily and will remain in effect until March 28, 2026.
Meanwhile, Air India Express has cancelled all its scheduled international flights from Mangaluru International Airport (IXE) on March 7 due to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.
The Bengaluru–Mangaluru sector already has multiple daily services. Apart from Air India Express, IndiGo also operates flights on this route.
