Crime in India 2023 Report

• 06 Oct 2025

Source: HT 

Why in News? 

The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) released the Crime in India 2023 report showing a 7.2% rise (compared to 2022) in total crimes to over 6.24 million cases. 

What are the Key Findings of the Crime in India 2023 Report? 

• Overall Crime Trend: A crime was registered every five seconds, with total cases reaching 6.24 million, including a 5.7% rise under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and a 9.5% increase under Special and Local Laws (SLL). 
  • The report marks the last year of data under the old IPC, with future reports to be based on the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023. 
• Increase in Cybercrimes: Cybercrimes saw the highest spike, rising 31.2%, driven by cheating through personation, while IT Act offences rose 36%.  
• Social Crimes: Crimes against women increased slightly by 0.7% to 4.48 lakh, crime against Scheduled Castes (SCs) by 0.4%, while crime against Scheduled Tribes surged by 28.8%, and crimes against children rose 9.2%. 
• Henoius and Other Crime: Murder fell by 2.8%, rape decreased by 5.9%, dowry deaths dropped 4.6%, and offences against the State fell 13.2% 
• Status of Police and Judicial Efficiency: The charge-sheeting rate for IPC cases slightly improved from 71.3% to 72.7%, but pending investigations rose from 28% to 29.2%.  
  • The conviction rate for IPC crimes remained at 54%, highlighting the need for stronger prosecution and faster trials.

National Crime Records Bureau

• The NCRB was established in 1986 following recommendations from the Tandon Committee, the National Police Commission (1977–1981), and the MHA Task Force (1985).  
• Operating under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), NCRB serves as a central repository of crime and criminal data, aiding investigators in solving cases. 
• It also manages and coordinates the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS) and publishes key reports, including Crime in India, Accidental Deaths & Suicides, and Prison Statistics. 

What is Driving the Rising Incidence of Cybercrime in India? 

• Massive Internet User Base: India has over 800 million internet users, many being first-time users with low digital literacy, making them vulnerable due to poor cybersecurity awareness. 
• Sophistication of Cybercriminals: The NCRB 2023 report reveals a significant shift from traditional violent crimes to technology-driven and economic offences, highlighting the growing professionalization of cybercrime.  
  • Criminals now rent hacking tools, phishing kits, and botnets, enabling targeted vishing and smishing attacks using leaked personal data 
• Cross-Border Nature: Many cybercrimes originate abroad, particularly in Southeast Asia, complicating jurisdiction, investigation, and prosecution for Indian authorities. 
• Privacy Deficit: Data breaches and the illegal sale of personal information (Aadhaar, phone numbers, financial records) on the dark web enable highly targeted social engineering attacks. 

What is India’s Current Cybersecurity Framework? 

• Legislative Measures: Information Technology Act, 2000, Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023. 
• Institutional Framework: Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC), Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), Cyber Swachhta Kendra. 
• Strategic Initiatives: Bharat National Cybersecurity Exercise.   

Drishti Mains Question:

Discuss the rising trend of cybercrimes in India and the measures needed for effective prevention.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

1. What is the NCRB? 
The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), established in 1986 under the Ministry of Home Affairs, serves as India’s central crime data repository and publishes key reports like Crime in India. 

2. What trends are emerging in India’s crime profile? 
There is a shift from violent crimes to technology-driven offences, with increases in cybercrime, fraud, and SLL violations requiring enhanced policing and preventive measures. 

3. What is driving the rise of cybercrime in India? 
India’s 800+ million internet users, many with low digital literacy, coupled with professionalized cybercriminals, cross-border attacks, and widespread data breaches (Aadhaar, phone, financial records) fuel rising cybercrime. 

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)  

Prelims 

Q.1 In India, under cyber insurance for individuals, which of the following benefits are generally covered, in addition to payment for the loss of funds and other benefits? (2020)  

1. Cost of restoration of the computer system in case of malware disrupting access to one’s computer  
2. Cost of a new computer if some miscreant wilfully damages it, if proved so  
3. Cost of hiring a specialised consultant to minimise the loss in case of cyber extortion  
4. Cost of defence in the Court of Law if any third party files a suit  

Select the correct answer using the code given below:  

(a) 1, 2 and 4 only  

(b) 1, 3 and 4 only  

(c) 2 and 3 only  

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4  

Ans: (b)

Q.2 In India, it is legally mandatory for which of the following to report on cyber security incidents? (2017)  

1. Service providers  
2. Data centres  
3. Body corporate  

Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

(a) 1 only  

(b) 1 and 2 only  

(c) 3 only  

(d) 1, 2 and 3  

Ans: (d)

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Mains

Q. What are the different elements of cyber security ? Keeping in view the challenges in cyber security, examine the extent to which India has successfully developed a comprehensive National Cyber Security Strategy. (2022)