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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Congress misleading public on National Herald case, matter still in court: BJP
New Delhi (PTI): The BJP on Wednesday accused the Congress of running misleading propaganda over the trial court's decision in the National Herald case and said the court refused to take cognisance of the complaint but did not set aside the case.
The case is still pending trial in the Delhi High Court, and the trial court in its order on Tuesday said that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) can continue its investigation, BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia asserted.
"The court yesterday (Tuesday) said that since it is a private complaint and no FIR has been lodged, it will not take cognizance of it. It's a technical matter. The court also said that ED can continue its investigation further. The court did not set it aside," Bhatia told a press conference at the BJP headquarters here
"Its trial is still going on. Sonia Gandhi is still Accused Number-1 and Rahul Gandhi Accused Number-2," the BJP spokesperson said, alleging, "The Gandhi family thrives on deceit, deception, and propaganda."
