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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Cong leader Prithviraj Chavan defiant after facing verbal missiles on Op Sindoor remarks
Mumbai (PTI): Despite facing criticism, senior Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan on Wednesday stood by his controversial comments that India faced a "total defeat" in aerial fight with Pakistan on the first day of Operation Sindoor on May 7.
The former Union minister refused to apologise for his comments on the Indian military operation against terror hubs in Pakistan and PoK in aftermath of massacre of tourists at Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir in April.
Talking to reporters in Pune on Tuesday, Chavan claimed India faced a "total defeat in the aerial fight (with Pakistan) on May 7 which lasted for half-an-hour".
"One may believe this or not. After that the Indian Air Force got grounded and not a single aircraft took flight that day.... be it Gwalior, Bhatinda or Sirsa, there was a possibility of aircraft being shot down, so our complete Air Force was grounded," the former Maharashtra chief minister had said.
Hitting out at Chavan, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde accused the Congress of speaking the language of Pakistan. He said questioning the military action was akin to demoralising the morale of armed forces.
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"The criticism does not stem from the love of the nation, but love for Pakistan," said the chief leader of the Shiv Sena, a key constituent of the BJP-led NDA.
Chavan, however, remained defiant.
"There is no question of apologising. The Constitution has given me the right to ask questions," the Congress veteran asserted.
Chavan also questioned the need of having a 12-lakh strong Army when future wars will be about aerial combats and missiles. "During Operation Sindoor we saw that there was no movement of the Army even for a kilometre," he had said.
BJP Lok Sabha MP and spokesperson Sambit Patra said Chavan's remarks are loaded with sedition.
"He (Chavan) has refused to apologise. The Indian armed forces struck 100 kms inside the Pakistan territory and destroyed 11 air strips (of the Pakistani Air Force). He made remarks that the Indian Army did not even move an inch (during the military operation). This is nothing but a statement full of sedition, a statement of a traitor," Patra said, lashing out at the Congress leader.
The BJP spokesperson maintained the Congress appears to be standing with Chavan and alleged the Opposition party is playing into foreign hands.
Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra should apologise for it, he added.
Union minister Giriraj Singh of the BJP insisted it was not right to devalue the valour of Indian armed forces.
Samajwadi Party MP Virendra Singh suggested that wherever armed forces are concerned, every Indian should be mindful of statements they make and ensure their comments do not demoralise the military.
Operation Sindoor was a result of "mistakes of politicians", he claimed.
TDP MP Krishna Devraylu said after the poll defeat in Bihar, the Congress is rattled and their leaders have been talking absurdly.
"Chavan's remarks are a prime example of this. This kind of disrespect to our armed forces is not necessary. If the Congress is angry with the NDA, it should show it in a different way and not drag armed forces into it," Devraylu opined.
AAP MP Ashok Mittal said such statements should not be made by any senior politician, especially by someone who has been a former chief minister.
The Indian armed forces registered a strong victory and destroyed terror launchpads in Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, Mittal added.
