The number of cases registered in Hyderabad has increased from 25,488 in 2023 to 35,944 in 2024, leading to a significant increase in overall crime. Commissioner of Police CV Anand released the statistics in this year’s annual round-up meeting at the Integrated Command and Control Center in Banjara Hills on Sunday.
Physical crimes saw a sharp increase of 65.74%, rising from 5,098 in 2023 to 8,447 in 2024. Serious physical offenses also increased from 563 in 2023 to 700 in 2024. Property crimes increased to 5,3 in 2025, 5,328 in 2024.
Crimes against women increased by 2.39% from 2,424 incidents in 2023 to 2,482 in 2024, while crimes against children increased by 21.02%, from 371 incidents in 2023 to 449 in 2024. Cases related to castes and scheduled tribes increased by a marginal 1.74%, from 172 cases in 2023 to 175 in 2024.
Metropolitan Police Commissioner CV Anand said that the peaceful completion of major events, festivals and religious processions as well as parliamentary elections is proof of careful planning, seamless implementation and exemplary coordination. “Special emphasis has been laid on strengthening the night police and keeping vigil on all kinds of criminal activities at night. Further, recruitment of 1,127 new police constables in the force bodes well for city security, traffic management and overall efficiency of Hyderabad City Police,” he said.
Traffic Violations
Hyderabad had 2,745 road accidents in 2024, as against 2,548 last year. Despite enhanced safety measures, the city saw more than 227 deaths in 2024 in 76 fatal accidents. During the 2024 Drunk and Driving tests, 8,40,084 people were screened, 52,080 cases were registered and 46,468 charge sheets were filed. In 2023, 3,49,917 persons were investigated, 43,940 cases were registered and 45,327 chargesheets were filed.
In 2023, 19,29,698 violations were recorded for riding without a helmet, which jumped to 22,74,662 in 2024. In 2023, 1,878 people were booked for minor driving which increased to 2,976 in 2024.
“With Hyderabad’s vehicular population now crossing 8.8 million, traffic violations have become a major issue. Initiatives like ‘Operation Rope’ helped remove 200 footpath encroachments, reducing congestion. However, road accidents and life-threatening violations are serious challenges. San Enhanced monitoring, public education campaign and AI-powered traffic system are prioritized for 2025,” the commissioner said.
Cybercrime
A total of 4,042 incidents of cybercrime have been reported, causing economic losses of ₹ 296.32 crore. Investment fraud emerged as the most important category, with 926 cases causing losses of ₹ 60.02 crore. Business fraud followed closely with 563 cases, resulting in a loss of ₹ 136.66 crore. OTP fraud accounted for 361 cases, costing the victims ₹ 10.20 crore, while customs fraud saw 312 cases which led to a financial loss of ₹ 61.29 crore. Online fraud was responsible for 278 cases, totaling a loss of ₹ 2.28 crore.
Hyderabad Police has made progress in tackling these cyber crimes through enforcement and recovery efforts. About ₹ 39.3 crore was successfully recovered, representing about 13% of the total financial loss reported.
Crimes against women
The report showed an increase in crimes against women with 2,482 cases registered in 2024 as against 2,424 in 2023.
A total of 1,201 cases were reported by those teams during the year. Out of which 2,280 people have been arrested red-handed and 425 minor cases have been dealt with. Legal action was taken in 182 cases, resulting in filing of FIRs, while 1,957 persons were warned and advised. Additionally, 2,519 adult offenders and 106 juveniles were identified. Efforts to combat these issues include expanded SHE teams, safer cities initiatives, and helpline support. Enhanced CCTV coverage and increased patrols are also planned for 2025 to ensure women’s safety.
Drugs seized
In 2024, H-NEW seized drugs worth Rs 10.56 crore in 29 cases, including 2,668 kg of ganja and significant quantities of cocaine and MDMA. With major arrests targeting drug networks, H-NEW has strengthened its resolve to effectively tackle drug distribution.
Strategic plans
To address the growing challenges, Hyderabad City Police plans to strengthen AI-powered policing, pre-emptive crime and predictive systems to optimize law enforcement, AI-powered traffic systems and targeted security initiatives and expertise to effectively fight digital crimes. “These measures aim to transform Hyderabad into a safer and more secure city by addressing the complexities of urban crime and security,” the top cop concluded.
published – December 22, 2024 at 07:38 PM IST