SRINAGAR: Cyberstalking and harassment cases across India saw a marginal decline in 2022, with 854 cases registered compared to 1,124 in 2021, according to the latest report from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). While the decline is notable, several states and union territories, including Jammu and Kashmir, have recorded minimal or no cases over the years, raising questions about underreporting and awareness of such crimes.
In Jammu and Kashmir, cyberstalking and harassment cases have remained sporadic over the years. No cases were reported in 2018 or 2020, while only one case was registered in 2019 and another in 2022. In 2021, the region saw a slight rise, with six cases reported.
However, the data reflects limited progress in resolving such cases; only two chargesheets were submitted in 2021, and no convictions have been recorded for any year. The NCRB data further highlights the absence of detailed victim demographics in Jammu and Kashmir, as no reports have specified male, female, or transgender victims across these years.
The data for Jammu and Kashmir is emblematic of a broader trend in regions with low reported figures, where cultural and social factors might contribute to an underrepresentation of the problem.
At the national level, Maharashtra continues to lead with 186 cases in 2022, followed by Telangana and Karnataka. Several states and union territories, including Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Manipur, reported no cases in both 2021 and 2022.
The overall decline in cyberstalking and harassment cases contrasts with the growing prevalence of online platforms. Experts suggest that while the decrease might indicate improved safety measures, it could also reflect gaps in reporting mechanisms and legal recourse.
