Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Dec 17: Cybercrime incidents in India have risen sharply over the last three years, increasing by more than 60 per cent from 52,974 cases in 2021 to 86,420 cases in 2023, according to official data presented in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.
Citing figures compiled by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar said the growth has been largely driven by financially motivated offences. Online fraud cases climbed from 14,007 in 2021 to 19,466 in 2023, registering an increase of nearly 39 per cent. Cheating-related cyber offences surged even more dramatically, rising over 150 per cent from 6,343 cases to 16,943 during the same period.
Computer-related cyber offences also showed a significant upward trend, increasing by more than 77 per cent, reflecting the expanding use of digital platforms by both individuals and criminal networks.
According to the data, cases registered under the Information Technology Act rose from 27,427 in 2021 to 44,237 in 2023, an increase of over 61 per cent. Cybercrime cases booked under provisions of the Indian Penal Code also grew substantially, from 25,384 to 41,849 cases, marking a rise of nearly 65 per cent.
Crimes targeting women and children online remain a concern, with 1,305 cases of cyber stalking and bullying reported in 2023 alone.
State-wise figures reveal sharp regional variations. Karnataka reported the highest number of cybercrime cases in 2023 at 21,889, followed by Telangana with 18,236 cases and Uttar Pradesh with 10,794. Kerala recorded one of the steepest increases, with cases rising more than fivefold from 626 in 2021 to 3,295 in 2023.
In cumulative terms, India recorded 2,02,940 cybercrime cases over the three-year period, with 52,974 cases in 2021, 65,893 in 2022 and 86,420 in 2023.
The minister also highlighted measures taken to curb financial losses. Since 2021, more than Rs 7,130 crore has been saved through timely reporting on the Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System, which has handled over 23 lakh complaints. Additionally, authorities have blocked more than 11.14 lakh SIM cards and 2.96 lakh IMEIs linked to cybercrime activities so far, he informed the House.