Bengaluru: Crimes against children recorded a decline in 2025, while sexual offence statistics in the city underwent a significant shift following the implementation of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which replaced the Indian Penal Code (IPC) from July 1, 2024. Official police data indicates that while cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act fell by 9 per cent last year, the overall number of sexual assault and rape-related cases rose sharply due to changes in legal definitions and registration practices under the new law.

POCSO cases see a notable decline

According to city police data, POCSO cases registered in 2025 declined by nearly 9 per cent compared to the previous year. Senior police officers attribute this drop partly to high detection rates and swift action in cases involving children.

“In most POCSO cases, the victim knows the accused, which ensures a high detection rate. Police act quickly due to the strict provisions of the law and the sensitive nature of the crime,” a senior Bengaluru police officer said. He added that while effective detection acts as a deterrent, it alone may not be sufficient to bring down such crimes further.

Another contributing factor, police said, is greater awareness among families and communities, which has led to early reporting and intervention in several cases involving minors.

Adolescent relationships and statutory offences

Police officials also highlighted that a significant number of POCSO cases arise from adolescent relationships. Families often approach the police after discovering consensual relationships involving minors.

“Since a minor’s consent is legally invalid, any sexual act falls under statutory rape, irrespective of the nature of the relationship,” the officer explained. This legal framework, while intended to protect children, has also contributed to complex cases involving teenagers close in age.

Rape data shows sharp rise due to legal reclassification

While initial crime statistics suggested a decline in rape cases, a deeper analysis revealed a substantial increase of 71 per cent in 2025. This surge is primarily attributed to the implementation of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which introduced new classifications and sections related to sexual offences.

Under the BNS, Section 69 specifically addresses sexual intercourse by deceitful means, including false promises of marriage. Earlier, such cases were often registered as rape under IPC Sections 375 and 90. With clearer categorisation under the new law, police have begun registering these cases separately but still within the broader ambit of sexual assault.

As a result, Bengaluru recorded 314 sexual assault cases, including rape, in 2025—almost double the 183 cases reported in 2023.

Change in crime patterns against women

Senior police officers said the data reflects a change in the pattern of crimes against women rather than a sudden spike in violent sexual offences.

“There are two aspects to understanding crimes against women. While overall case numbers appear to have declined in some categories, reporting has increased due to legal provisions such as identity protection of survivors and in-camera court hearings,” a senior officer said.

He noted that violent crimes against women have shown a downward trend, but cases involving sexual assault through deceit have increased, largely due to the clearer legal recognition under the BNS.

Concerns over misuse of new provisions

At the same time, police have expressed concerns over the potential misuse of BNS Section 69. Another senior officer said that while the provision was introduced to address genuine cases of exploitation, there have been instances where it has allegedly been invoked to settle personal disputes.

“Sexual assault by deceit has risen, but there are cases where Section 69 is misused. Each complaint requires careful investigation to distinguish between genuine exploitation and false allegations,” the officer said.

Police officials stressed that safeguards and thorough scrutiny are essential to ensure that the law protects genuine victims without becoming a tool for harassment.

Molestation cases decline with stronger enforcement

The city also witnessed a significant decline in molestation cases in 2025. Police data shows a 20 per cent reduction, which officers attribute to increased deterrent measures.

Improved night patrolling, enhanced surveillance through CCTV networks and faster response times have played a key role in reducing such incidents, officials said. Awareness campaigns and visible police presence in public spaces have also contributed to the decline.

Mixed trends in domestic and dowry-related crimes

While enforcement has shown positive results in several areas, police officers cautioned that societal intervention remains crucial, particularly in crimes rooted in social practices.

Dowry death cases increased by 27 per cent in 2025, raising serious concerns among law enforcement agencies. In contrast, cases related to cruelty by husband or relatives declined by 13 per cent during the same period.

“Strict policing can only go so far. Issues like dowry deaths require deep societal change, community engagement and sustained awareness efforts,” a senior officer said.

Conclusion

The latest crime data from Bengaluru presents a complex picture. While crimes against children under the POCSO Act have declined and molestation cases have reduced significantly, changes in the law have reshaped how sexual offences are recorded and interpreted. The introduction of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita has led to a sharp rise in registered sexual assault cases, reflecting both improved reporting mechanisms and evolving legal definitions. Police officials maintain that continued enforcement, legal clarity and broader societal intervention will be essential to ensure long-term reductions in crimes against women and children.