Madhya Pradesh has witnessed a surge in cybercrime, with a significant majority of reported cases linked to the misuse of social media platforms, according to data released by the state’s cyber police. Youngsters, particularly those between the ages of 18 and 35, have emerged as the most affected demographic.
Between January and June 2025, the state cyber police registered over 9,300 cybercrime cases, with more than 60% involving social media abuse. These include impersonation, blackmail, sextortion, financial scams, and defamation — all orchestrated through platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
According to Additional Director General of Police (Cyber Cell) Yogesh Deshmukh, the rising penetration of smartphones and internet services, coupled with low awareness about digital safety, has contributed to the spike. “A majority of cases involve either fake profiles or manipulated content used for harassment and financial exploitation,” he said.
Young People and Women Most at Risk
The data reveal that college students, job-seeking youth, and women are particularly vulnerable. Sextortion and identity theft have become rampant, with fraudsters often creating fake accounts or manipulating photos to extract money or cause reputational harm.
In several instances, teenagers were duped into sharing private information or images, which were later used for blackmail. Women, especially in urban districts like Indore and Bhopal, frequently reported cases of cyberstalking and online harassment.
To address the growing concern, cybercrime awareness drives have been initiated in educational institutions, and digital safety campaigns are being broadcast through local media.
Law Enforcement Pushes for Digital Vigilance
Authorities have emphasised the importance of reporting incidents promptly. The Madhya Pradesh Police has encouraged the use of the national cybercrime reporting portal (cybercrime.gov.in) and launched a 24×7 helpline (1930) to aid victims.
The cyber police also plan to collaborate with social media platforms to expedite the removal of offensive content and track down offenders. However, officials insist that digital literacy must go hand-in-hand with enforcement.
“Prevention is better than punishment. We are urging citizens, especially the youth, to exercise caution while sharing personal information online,” said Deshmukh.
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