The National Crime Records Bureau continues to compile and publish detailed statistics on crimes through its annual “Crime in India” report. The most recent edition covers data for 2023 and includes state and Union Territory wise figures on cybercrime cases. These cases involve communication devices either as a medium or as a target. Furthermore, the data spans the period from 2021 to 2023, offering a clearer view of trends in cyber offences across the country.
Expansion of Cyber Forensic Infrastructure
India has strengthened its cyber forensic capabilities through the establishment of advanced investigation centres. The National Digital Investigation Support Centre operates in New Delhi and Assam, having been launched in February 2019 and August 2025 respectively. These centres provide early stage forensic assistance to investigating officers from state and Union Territory police forces. As a result, authorities can respond more quickly to cybercrime incidents.
In addition, a National Cyber Forensic Laboratory for evidence analysis was set up in Hyderabad in 2018. This facility supports evidentiary requirements under a dedicated scheme focused on cybercrime prevention against women and children. Therefore, investigators gain access to specialised tools for handling sensitive digital evidence.
Growth in Forensic Laboratories Nationwide
At present, India has a network of central and state forensic laboratories supporting cybercrime investigations. There are seven Central Forensic Science Laboratories and twenty seven State Forensic Science Laboratories currently operational. Together, these institutions assist law enforcement agencies in analysing digital evidence and strengthening case outcomes.
Before 2014, digital forensic facilities existed in only four central laboratories located in Chandigarh, Hyderabad, Delhi and Kolkata. However, after 2014, three additional laboratories were established in Pune, Bhopal and Kamrup. These new facilities include dedicated digital forensic divisions, which significantly enhance national capacity. Meanwhile, earlier data on state level digital forensic infrastructure remains unavailable at the central level.
Financial Support and Capacity Building
The government has provided targeted financial assistance to improve cyber forensic capabilities across states and Union Territories. Support has been extended to twenty states and Union Territories under a scheme funded through the Nirbhaya initiative. This programme focuses on strengthening both DNA analysis and cyber forensic divisions within state forensic science laboratories.
Moreover, the Ministry of Home Affairs has allocated Rs. 116.5 crores under the Cyber Crime Prevention against Women and Children scheme. This funding supports the establishment of cyber forensic cum training laboratories. Consequently, such laboratories have been commissioned in 33 states and Union Territories, including Madhya Pradesh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, and Maharashtra.
These developments collectively reflect a sustained effort to build robust cybercrime investigation infrastructure. They also highlight a coordinated approach to improving forensic readiness and supporting law enforcement agencies across India.
With inputs from Reuters