Crime drops in Himachal Pradesh, but cybercrime cases surge: NCRB report
The NCRB data for 2024 shows that cybercrime cases in Himachal Pradesh increased from 77 in 2022 and 127 in 2023 to 148 cases in 2024.
The NCRB data shows that cybercrime cases increased from 77 in 2022 and 127 in 2023 to 148 cases in 2024, indicating a growing trend of digital and online fraud-related offences. (Image generated using AI) Himachal Pradesh recorded an overall decline in crime in 2024 compared to the previous two years, but cybercrime cases saw a sharp rise, according to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report released on Thursday.
The report revealed that the total number of criminal cases registered in the state dropped from 13,505 in 2023 to 12,071 in 2024. In 2022, 13,231 First Information Reports (FIRs) were registered across the state.
The NCRB data shows that cybercrime cases increased from 77 in 2022 and 127 in 2023 to 148 cases in 2024, indicating a growing trend of digital and online fraud-related offences.
“Mere registration of FIRs does not mean that only 148 cybercrimes were recorded. In most FIRs, cybercrime complaints that are of a similar nature and are committed by one gang are clubbed and converted into one FIR,” a senior police officer said, requesting anonymity.
The officer said the figures reflected the increasing use of digital platforms and internet-based financial transactions, which expanded the scope for cyber fraud, impersonation, and online cheating.
The NCRB report stated that Himachal Pradesh recorded 103 computer-related offences during 2024. Among these, impersonation using computer resources emerged as a major category, accounting for 98 cases.
The report also mentioned four cases of identity theft registered during the year. Other cyber offences included online cheating, unauthorised access to computer systems, and misuse of digital communication platforms. The cybercrime rate in Himachal Pradesh was recorded at 2.0 per cent in 2024, while the charge-sheeting rate stood at 62.5 per cent.
585 cases, Rs 150 crore fraud: When CM Sukhu addressed the issue
On March 28, during the budget session, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu had informed the House that a total of 585 cases of cyber fraud were registered in Himachal Pradesh over the past three years, involving financial fraud amounting to approximately Rs 150 crore.
Sukhu had informed the House that 258 suspects, including four bank employees, were arrested in 585 registered FIRs. The highest fraud amount was recorded under the Shimla cyber police station, with cases involving Rs 55.62 crore. This was followed by Rs 33.64 crore at the Mandi cyber police station and Rs 25.91 crore at the Dharamshala cyber police station.
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