India, June 24 -- Maharashtra recorded a steep 8.85% rise in rape cases in 2025 compared to the previous year, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis informed the legislative assembly on Tuesday. Cases of atrocities against children and cyber crime cases also increased sharply in 2025 compared to 2024, according to the information by the chief minister in a written response to the assembly.

"Higher number of registered cases does not necessarily indicate a rise in crime, but reflect better policing, improved e-FIR facilities and increased awareness among women to report offences," Fadnavis said in the reply.

According to data provided by the chief minister, Maharashtra saw 8,643 rape cases against women in 2025 compared to 7,940 cases in 2024...