New Delhi | Amid the rapid expansion of digital platforms, cybercrimes targeting women have witnessed a worrying surge across the country. According to government data, more than 76,657 cases involving women were reported on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) in 2025, marking an increase of nearly 28,000 cases compared to 48,335 reported in 2024.
Data shared in the Rajya Sabha shows that these cases include serious offences such as online harassment, stalking, circulation of obscene content, and child sexual abuse material. Among these, complaints related to obscene content were the highest at 37,743. This was followed by 19,703 cases involving sexually explicit acts, 8,780 cases of rape-related abusive content, and 10,431 cases linked to child sexual abuse material.
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The data also highlights a steady rise in overall cybercrimes linked to social media and the internet. While such cases stood at 72,301 in 2021, the number has increased significantly to 1,73,766 in 2025. This trend indicates that as digital adoption grows, cyber offences are rising at a similar pace.
Within these figures, cyberbullying, stalking and sexting accounted for 45,832 cases. Fake or impersonation profiles made up 46,784 complaints. Additionally, identity theft and profile hacking cases stood at 34,533, while cheating through impersonation was reported in 23,252 instances.
Other cyber offences reported during the year include 11,126 cases of online job fraud, 7,595 cases involving provocative or unlawful content, 2,240 phishing cases, 754 impersonation emails, 522 threatening emails, and 1,128 matrimonial fraud cases.
The government has clarified that law and order is a state subject, and the primary responsibility for investigation and action lies with state governments and Union Territories. However, the Centre continues to support these efforts through policy guidance and financial assistance.
To tackle cybercrimes against women and children, more than ₹132 crore has been allocated under the Cyber Crime Prevention against Women and Children (CCPWC) scheme. Additionally, the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) has been set up to strengthen coordination among agencies.
Cyber forensic and training laboratories have been established across 33 states and Union Territories. So far, over 24,600 officials—including investigators, prosecutors, and judicial officers—have been trained in cybercrime investigation and forensics.
The NCRP platform has emerged as the primary channel for citizens to report cyber offences, particularly those involving women and children, playing a crucial role in improving reporting and response.
These figures clearly indicate that alongside growing digital dependence, cyber security challenges are also intensifying. Experts believe that without stronger awareness, robust technological safeguards, and strict enforcement, it will be difficult to curb this rising threat.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
