Crimes against children in India continued to rise in 2024 despite an overall decline in crime across the country, according to the latest National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data.

A total of 1,87,702 cases of crimes against children were recorded in 2024, marking a 5.8% increase from 2023 and a sharp 46% rise compared to 2020 figures.

The NCRB data, analysed by CRY – Child Rights and You, revealed that nearly nine out of every 10 cybercrimes against children involved publishing or transmitting sexually explicit content depicting children.

Of the 1,238 cybercrime cases registered under the Information Technology Act in 2024, 1,099 were linked to sexually explicit material involving children. Chhattisgarh reported the highest number of such cybercrimes, followed by Rajasthan, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Kerala.

The data also highlighted continuing concerns over sexual offences against minors. India recorded 69,191 cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act in 2024, with girls accounting for 98% of victims in severe assault cases.

Children aged between 16 and 18 years formed the largest group of victims. In most cases, offenders were known to the child, with friends, online acquaintances or live-in partners emerging as the largest category of accused.

CRY said the findings underline the urgent need for stronger online safety measures, public awareness, faster justice delivery and stricter action against offenders.

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