Hyderabad sees 15% drop in overall crime in 2025, but crimes against women, POCSO cases rise: CP Sajjanar

Hyderabad: Hyderabad recorded a 15% reduction in overall crime in 2025, driven by intensified patrolling, enhanced surveillance, and focused awareness campaigns, Hyderabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar said while releasing the city police’s annual report here on Saturday.

Addressing the media, Sajjanar however, flagged concerns over a rise in crimes against women and an increase in POCSO cases, calling for greater societal vigilance alongside policing efforts.

Overall crime statistics

According to the annual report, the city registered 30,690 FIRs in 2025, compared with 35,944 FIRs in 2024, marking a significant decline in overall crime.

Key crime figures for the year include:

176 cases of attempt to murder

166 kidnapping cases

4,536 cheating cases

Crimes against women on the rise

Despite the overall drop, crimes against women rose by 6% during the year. The report recorded: 405 rape cases, and 119 kidnapping cases involving women, the CP added. Sajjanar also warned that no one would be allowed to take the law into their own hands, adding that strict action would be taken against those who flout the law.

Overall crime sees sharp decline across key categories

Property crimes, bodily offences and cyber cases register notable falls during the year. Crime registered under core criminal laws and special local laws recorded a 14 per cent decline, reflecting an overall improvement in the law and order situation during the year, according to official data.

Bodily offences dropped by 16 per cent, driven largely by a significant reduction in non-grave bodily offences, while grave bodily crimes showed only a marginal decline.

A sharper fall was observed in property-related offences, which registered a 28 per cent decrease. Among these, grave property offences fell by 31 per cent, while non-grave property offences declined by 28 per cent, indicating improved crime prevention and enforcement.

Cybercrime cases also witnessed a downward trend, registering an 8 per cent reduction compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, cases booked under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act saw a substantial 27 per cent decline, pointing to a decrease in reported caste-based offences.

Strong policing, deterrence effect

The Commissioner attributed the fall in crime to improved patrolling, tighter surveillance, and swift action by police teams. “Criminal gangs from other states now hesitate to enter Telangana. There is a strong fear among offenders that theft or crime in Hyderabad will inevitably lead to arrest,” he said.

Public outreach and awareness drives

Police teams have been conducting public awareness programmes every Tuesday and Saturday, receiving positive feedback from residents, the CP said.

Convictions and legal action

Police efforts resulted in 4,463 accused being convicted during the year, reflecting improved investigation and prosecution, he noted.

Food adulteration and civic issues

Sajjanar expressed concern over rising food adulteration, stating that special teams have been formed to tackle the issue as consumers increasingly struggle to distinguish genuine from fake products.

Appeal to citizens

Calling Hyderabad Police one of the best forces in the country, Sajjanar appealed for continued public cooperation in 2026. “Financial disputes should never lead to violence. If couples wish to live together, they should; if not, separation is the answer, not murder,” he said.

The Commissioner concluded by announcing a special ‘Road Ahead’ action plan for 2026, aimed at further improving policing standards and public safety across Hyderabad.