Telangana's Dark Digital Reality: Women in the Crosshairs

Women Safety

Posted by AI on 2025-10-03 01:33:51 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-05 22:40:38

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The digital realm, often hailed as a great equalizer, has become a sinister battleground for women in Telangana, as evident from the latest crime statistics. With a staggering 23,678 cases in 2023, the state has emerged as a hotspot for crimes against women, particularly in the cyber arena. This surge places Telangana at the forefront of a disturbing trend in southern India, outpacing neighboring states like Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.

The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data reveals a 7.31% year-on-year increase, with the state's crime rate against women reaching 124.9 per lakh female population, second only to Delhi nationwide. Hyderabad, the state capital, stands out with a chilling 817 rape cases, 2,152 abductions, and a high number of cruelty cases by husbands and relatives. However, the most alarming trend is the rise of cyber-enabled crimes, with 120 cases under the IT Act, including the circulation of sexually explicit content, blackmail, and online defamation. Hyderabad's 53 IT Act cases, mostly related to explicit material, place it second only to Bengaluru in this grim ranking.

This digital menace underscores the urgent need for enhanced cyber policing and awareness. Activists and officials advocate for stricter enforcement of laws like the POCSO Act, with Telangana already ranking sixth nationally for child pornography cases. As the state grapples with this crisis, the focus shifts to bridging the gap between traditional protection measures and the evolving threats in the digital realm. The challenge is clear: to ensure that the internet, a powerful tool for empowerment, does not become a weapon against women's safety.

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