Telangana’s Pocso rate way above national average; sees over 5 cases reported daily

Hyderabad: In a worrying trend, Telangana has registered a significantly higher rate of cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act compared to the national average, according to the latest National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data.The state recorded a Pocso case rate of 15%, well above the national average of 9%. Moreover, Telangana now ranks among the top five major states in the country in terms of Pocso cases rate, behind Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Assam. The state on average reports at least five Pocso cases a day.Police officials attributed the higher Pocso case rate to increased reporting and awareness. “Victims are supported, guided, counselled, and rehabilitated through Bharosa Centres, which function as integrated one-stop crisis centres for victims of sexual assault.

So far, more than 17,000 cases of rape and Pocso have been handled by our Bharosa centres in the state. There are 35 such centres in the state,” said Charu Sinha, DG, women safety wing.In 2024, more than 2,000 Pocso cases were reported across Telangana, with girls accounting for nearly 99% of the victims. The figures also indicate a steady rise in such offences over the past few years. Hyderabad alone reported 349 cases in 2024.

The NCRB data highlights that in almost 99% of the cases, the accused were known to the victims. Of the 2,078 cases registered in the state, over 200 accused were family members, while 676 were identified as friends or neighbours.Officials and child rights activists have also expressed concern over the increasing role of social media and online interactions in facilitating such crimes. Nearly 40% of the victims were allegedly targeted through online friendships or by individuals posing as marriage partners or live-in companions.The data further reveals that very young children continue to be vulnerable. About 24 victims were below the age of six, while 98 were between six and 12. The rest were between 12 and 18 years.Sinha said Bharosa Centres aim to reduce trauma for victims by providing coordinated services under one roof. These services include police, medical, legal and psychological help, as well as handholding the victim at the time since she arrives at a Bharosa centre, till the end of the trial, enabling stronger evidence collection and case follow-up.Police officials said they adhere to strict legal timelines for investigation and filing of chargesheets, along with coordination with fast-track courts for expeditious trial and disposal.GFX: In cases of crimes against children, help can be sought by calling: 100 or 1098 7382626437 Or reach out to nearby police stations---Crime rate in NCRB data is calculated by dividing the number of reported crimes by estimated population and multiplying it by 100,000