Tamil Nadu recorded a significant surge in crimes against children in 2024, with POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) cases rising steeply to 5,319 from 3,407 the previous year. The data was presented in the Tamil Nadu Assembly on Monday (April 28).
The spike in POCSO cases highlights growing concerns over child safety in the state. Alongside this, rape and attempted rape cases also increased from 406 in 2023 to 471 in 2024. Cases of molestation rose from 1,650 to 1,885, while incidents of sexual harassment doubled to 96.
While these offences saw a rise, some categories also showed a decline. Murders dropped from 1,598 to 1,488, and cases of ‘murder for gain’ fell from 83 to 75. Dacoity cases also came down from 133 to 111.
While burglary cases saw a slight increase — from 5,253 to 5,385 — overall thefts decreased to 16,019 from 17,788.
