Why is Telangana Leading the Nation in Cyber Crime Rates?
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Synopsis
Recent data from the NCRB highlights a startling trend: Telangana is at the forefront of cybercrime in India, with rates alarmingly higher than the national average. As cybercriminals become more sophisticated, understanding the dynamics of these crimes is essential for both policymakers and citizens alike.
Key Takeaways
- Telangana has the highest cybercrime rate in India.
- The national average for cybercrime is 4.8%.
- Delhi has seen significant losses due to cyber fraud incidents.
- Authorities are implementing measures to combat rising cybercrime.
- Public awareness is essential for preventing cyber fraud.
New Delhi, Aug 12 (NationPress) Cybercriminals appear to be most active in southern India, as two states – Telangana and Karnataka – have recorded the highest rates of such crimes, with Puducherry also making a notable appearance on the infamous list among Union Territories, according to data released by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) on Tuesday.
Telangana holds the dubious distinction of having the highest cybercrime rate at 40.3%, nearly ten times the national average of 4.8%, based on mid-year data for 2022 compiled by the NCRB.
The NCRB determines the cybercrime rate by dividing the population of a state or UT in lakhs by the reported number of fraud cases during a given year.
Maharashtra recorded a cybercrime rate of 6.6, with 8,249 financial crimes reported in 2022 for a population of 1,257 lakh, according to the NCRB's mid-year data.
Andhra Pradesh had a cybercrime rate of 4.4, Assam at 4.9, Uttar Pradesh and Odisha reported 4.3, and Uttarakhand recorded 4.8, it noted.
Interestingly, among the larger states, West Bengal performed better than many others with a cybercrime rate of just 0.4, as per the NCRB's mid-year data for 2022.
In the Union Territories, Delhi has emerged as a cybercrime hotspot with a rate of 3.2, while Puducherry recorded a rate of 3.9 based on mid-year data for 2022 from the NCRB.
In 2025, residents of the National Capital lost Rs 70.64 crore in 184 incidents of cybercrime reported in the first half of the year until June 30, as per official data from Delhi Police.
In 2024, citizens of Delhi suffered losses of Rs 817 crore from 1,591 cybercrime incidents. The number of registered cyber financial fraud cases in Delhi for 2023 was 1,347, with victims losing Rs 183 crore in these incidents.
In 2022, residents lost Rs 231 crore due to 1,545 cyber fraud cases, and in 2021, 1,630 cases resulted in a loss of Rs 91 crore, as stated by Rai.
Data from Delhi Police indicated that since 2017, when 454 cyber crimes were reported, the incidents of such financial crimes have surged nearly threefold by 2024, which recorded 1,591 cases.
Previously, the Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, informed the Lok Sabha in a written response that to combat cybercrime, Delhi Police has established IFSO (Intelligence Fusion and Strategic Operations), equipped with advanced tools and software for investigating intricate and sensitive cybercrime cases.
Additionally, a Cyber Police Station has become operational in each of the 15 Districts of Delhi Police since 2022 to specifically address such cases.
Help desks at all police stations are equipped to assist women affected by cybercrimes. A specialized unit, SPUWAC (Special Police Unit for Women and Children), is also active within the Delhi Police to address these cases with care and promptness, as noted by Rai.
The Minister of State stated that to enhance mechanisms for tackling cybercrime comprehensively and collaboratively, the Central Government has undertaken several initiatives, including the establishment of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) to address all forms of cybercrime nationwide; the launch of the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) (https://cybercrime.gov.in); the introduction of the Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System (CFCFRMS); and the creation of a state-of-the-art Cyber Fraud Mitigation Centre (CFMC).
Furthermore, the Central Government has established a high-tech National Cyber Forensic Laboratory (Investigation) and developed an online learning platform, called CyTrain, to educate individuals on cyber safety.
Point of View
It's imperative to recognize the troubling rise of cybercrime in Telangana and other regions. With the NCRB data indicating alarming rates, it’s essential for authorities to implement robust measures to ensure public safety. The rising trend of financial fraud necessitates a coordinated response from law enforcement agencies and awareness campaigns for citizens. In a digitally connected world, safeguarding against cyber threats is crucial.
NationPress
20/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cybercrime rate in Telangana?
Telangana has the highest cybercrime rate in India at 40.3%, nearly ten times the national average.
How does NCRB calculate cybercrime rates?
The NCRB calculates cybercrime rates by dividing the population of a state or UT in lakhs by the number of reported fraud cases during the year.
What measures is Delhi Police taking to combat cybercrime?
Delhi Police has established IFSO, equipped Cyber Police Stations in all districts, and set up help desks to assist women affected by cybercrimes.
How can individuals protect themselves from cybercrime?
Individuals can protect themselves by being aware of common scams, using strong passwords, and reporting suspicious activities to authorities.
What support is available for victims of cybercrime?
Victims can seek help from Cyber Police Stations and specialized units like SPUWAC, which handle cases with sensitivity.
