Cybercrime tops offences in A.P., says NCRB report
Cybercrime has overtaken other offences to become the most prevalent criminal act in Andhra Pradesh, with 2,341 cases registered in 2023, according to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report released on Wednesday.
Sexual harassment through electronic means accounted for the highest number of cases at 1,334. Fraud followed with 329 cases, while cyber-enabled abetment to suicide led to 126 incidents. Online piracy (88 cases) and perverse online activities (63 cases) were also recorded.
“The numbers show how cybercrime has become a growing social threat. With internet penetration increasing, criminals are exploiting digital platforms to target vulnerable sections, particularly women,” said a senior police officer from the State Crime Investigation Department.
The police arrested 44 persons in connection with cybercrime cases last year and charge-sheeted 181 individuals. Under the Information Technology Act, 395 cheating cases, 67 OTP fraud cases and 23 fraud-related offences were filed.
However, pending investigations remain a major challenge. With 4,381 cases carried over from 2022, the total under investigation reached 6,725 by the end of 2023.
“Case disposal has not kept pace with the rising number of offences. This backlog hampers timely justice and emboldens offenders,” observed criminologist Dr. K. Srinivasa Rao, adding that more specialised cybercrime units were needed at the district level.
Crimes against senior citizens
Crimes targeting senior citizens also remain a concern. A total of 2,374 such cases were under investigation by year-end, while 1,615 were disposed of. The conviction rate stood at just 15.6 per cent. Out of 5,440 cases sent for trial, only 71 ended in conviction, while 383 accused were acquitted.
During the year, 1,038 individuals were arrested for crimes against senior citizens, but convictions were limited to 19 men. No female offenders were convicted. “This low conviction rate reflects the difficulty in securing evidence in offences against the elderly, who are often financially and emotionally vulnerable,” said an officer in the legal cell of the State police.
Murder motives
The report also highlighted the varied motives behind murder cases. Love affairs accounted for the largest share with 453 incidents, followed by family disputes (218 cases) and petty quarrels (133 cases). Land disputes led to 70 murders, while money-related disputes were behind 28 cases.
“Family-related conflicts and relationship issues continue to be the dominant triggers for violent crimes in the State,” the NCRB report noted.