Overall crime in Telangana jumped by 22.53% from 1,38,312 cases in 2023 to 1,69,477 cases in 2024, a net increase of 31,165 cases, according to the annual report released by Director General of Police (DGP) Jitender on Sunday.
Mr. Jitender said that the law and order situation has been maintained well in 2024, with effective checks on violent crimes, and Maoist, communal and terror activities.
“Disputes between Adivasis and Muslims in Jainoor of Kumram Bheem Asifabad district were handled well. Senior police officials camped in the districts and ensured confidence building measures among people to bring back normalcy,” he said.
Telangana saw consistent growth in cognizable offences over the past few years. In 2020, 1,19,863 cases were reported, which increased to 1,25,479 in 2021 and 1,31,988 in 2022. The numbers further climbed to 1,38,312 in 2023, before peaking at 1,69,477 in 2024. This 22.5% rise compared to 2023 highlights both increased reporting and rise in crimes such as cyber fraud, thefts, and crimes against women.
The State recorded 19,922 cases of crimes against women in 2024, showing a 4.8% increase from 19,013 in 2023. Rape cases surged to 2,945, a sharp 28.94% rise compared to the previous year. Kidnappings and abductions involving women also rose significantly, with 1,122 cases reported in 2024, marking a 26.92% increase. However, dowry harassment cases decreased slightly, with 8,973 incidents, a 5.13% drop from 2023. Under POCSO Act, 82 accused were sentenced to life imprisonment in 77 cases.
Cyber crimes
Cyber crimes surged dramatically in Telangana during 2024. As per the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB), 25,184 cases were reported in 2024 as against 17,571 cases in 2023, a jump of 43.33%. The most common forms of cyber crime included financial scams, phishing, and impersonations.
The TGCSB refunded ₹180 crore to victims, compared to ₹8 crore in 2023. As much as ₹247 crore was put on hold or frozen, a sharp rise from ₹128 crore in 2023.
NDPS Act cases
Efforts to combat drug trafficking and abuse intensified in 2024, with 1,950 cases registered under the NDPS Act, a rise from 1,360 cases in 2023. The Telangana Anti-Narcotics Bureau seized drugs worth ₹142.95 crore and arrested 4,682 people. In addition to seizing large quantities of ganja, heroin, and synthetic drugs, the bureau obtained freezing orders for properties worth ₹55.8 crore from offenders involved in 10 major cases.
Road safety
The State recorded 20,702 road accidents, showing a slight reduction from 23,491 in 2023. Fatal accidents, however, increased marginally, with 6,640 deaths compared to 6,541 the previous year. Grievous accidents saw a sharp reduction of 56.42%, dropping from 2,336 in 2023 to 1,018 in 2024.
Published – December 29, 2024 08:51 pm IST
