Telangana has emerged as one of India’s states facing significant challenges in crime, recording high numbers in cyber offences, crimes against women, and human trafficking in 2023. Rapid digital adoption, increased urbanization, and growing public awareness have contributed to both the rise in offences and better reporting mechanisms. While the state grapples with these challenges, its proactive approach in investigation and charge-sheeting highlights a strong law enforcement response compared to the national average.

Telangana second in cyber crime cases nationwide

In 2023, Telangana reported 18,236 cyber crime cases, placing it second in India after Karnataka, which recorded 21,548 cases. Uttar Pradesh followed in third place with 10,794 cases. Across the country, cyber crime surged from 64,907 cases in 2022 to 86,053 cases in 2023. Telangana’s cyber crime rate stood at 4.8 per lakh population, slightly higher than the national average of 4.6.

Hyderabad, as the state capital, witnessed a spike in online fraud, phishing, and identity theft complaints. Officials attribute the high numbers to increased smartphone usage, expanding digital activity, and enhanced reporting mechanisms. Experts say the rise reflects both growing digital vulnerabilities and better public awareness. They emphasize the need for stronger cybersecurity infrastructure, faster legal processing, and targeted educational campaigns to counter evolving cyber threats.

Telangana’s charge-sheeting rate for cyber crime was 52.5%, significantly above the national average of 33.8%, indicating more effective investigative efforts.

Telangana leads in crimes against women

Telangana registered 23,678 cases of crimes against women in 2023, a 7% increase from 2022. With a crime rate of 124.9 per lakh female population, it ranks highest in India. The offences include stalking, domestic violence, and abetment to suicide. Of the total cases, 19,891 were formally charge-sheeted, giving the state a charge-sheeting rate of 88.1%, well above the national average of 77.6%.

Careful scrutiny of case outcomes revealed that 229 cases were genuine but lacked sufficient evidence, were untraced, or had no leads; 21 cases were abated, and 1,071 were found false. Officials credited the work of SHE Teams and Safe Mobility programs for improving victim outreach, case monitoring, and follow-up. Despite rising crimes, Telangana’s law enforcement efficiency demonstrates a proactive approach toward securing justice for women.

Human Trafficking: Second highest after Maharashtra

Telangana recorded 336 human trafficking cases in 2023, ranking second nationally after Maharashtra, which reported 388 cases. The state accounted for over 15% of the 2,183 cases filed across India under the Indian Penal Code. Of the 607 victims trafficked in Telangana, 588 were adult women and 22 were minors. The majority of cases—597—were linked to prostitution and sexual exploitation.

The state’s Anti-Human Trafficking Units, active in all districts, successfully rescued all reported victims, including four Bangladeshi nationals and five women from other states. Law enforcement arrested 1,058 individuals and filed charge sheets against 873. However, the conviction rate remained very low at 3.7%, highlighting gaps in prosecution, trial delays, and insufficient victim protection. Officials continue to intensify raids and awareness drives, but experts emphasize the need for stronger legal follow-through and rehabilitation programs to ensure justice and prevent recurrences.

Telangana’s crime data for 2023 underscores a dual reality: the state faces rising challenges across cyber offences, gender-based crimes, and human trafficking, yet it also shows relatively high efficiency in investigation and charge-sheeting compared to national averages.