New Delhi, The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) of India has released its 2022 data, revealing a significant increase in crimes, particularly those against women, children, Schedule Caste and Tribes (SC/ST), and in the realm of cybercrimes. This data reflects a concerning trend in the safety and security landscape of the country.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the NCRB report for 2022 shows a worrying 24.4 percent increase in cybercrimes, with a total of 65,893 cases compared to 52,974 cases in 2021. Fraud was the leading cause, accounting for 64.8 percent of these incidents, followed by extortion and sexual exploitation. This rise underscores the urgency for stronger cybersecurity measures and greater public awareness.

Additionally, the report indicates a 4.0 percent increase in crimes against women, with 4,45,256 cases registered in 2022 compared to 4,28,278 in 2021. The majority of these cases were categorized as ‘Cruelty by Husband or His Relatives’, ‘Kidnapping and Abduction of Women’, ‘Assault on Women with Intent to Outrage her Modesty’, and ‘Rape’. The crime rate per lakh women population also rose, indicating a pressing need to address gender-based violence.

The statistics also show a 5.8 percent increase in kidnapping and abduction cases nationwide, totaling 1,07,588 cases in 2022. Alarmingly, 76,069 victims were children, highlighting their increased vulnerability. Of all victims, 1,17,083 were recovered, but 974 were found dead. Crimes affecting the human body accounted for 32.5 percent of total Indian Penal Code (IPC) crimes in 2022.

Crimes against children also saw an 8.7 percent increase from 2021, with 1,62,449 cases reported. Kidnapping and abduction made up 45.7 percent of these cases, while offences under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO), 2012, contributed 39.7 percent.

The NCRB report serves as a crucial indicator of the escalating crime situation in India, particularly affecting vulnerable groups such as women and children, and highlights the urgent need for effective measures to curb these rising trends.