If you watch Indian movies, then you surely know that India is one of the richest countries in terms of history and culture. With its breathtaking attractions and delicious cuisine, it is one of the best countries you can visit. However, like any other country, it also has cities with dangerous areas that you should be aware of to avoid trouble.
If you plan to travel or migrate to India, stay with us in this article to learn about the most dangerous cities in India—areas with higher crime rates that require certain precautions to keep you safe.
By the end of this article, you will be familiar with:
✔ Key crime trends (theft, violent crime, scams, etc.)
✔ The most dangerous cities in India based on crime statistics
✔ Safety tips for travelers and expats
✔ A comparison table of crime rates in major Indian cities
9 Dangerous Cities in India to Avoid
| City | Crime Rate (per 100,000) | Most Common Crimes | Safety Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi | 1,422 | Theft, scams, violent crimes | Avoid isolated areas at night |
| Mumbai | 1,218 | Pickpocketing, cyber fraud | Use trusted taxis, avoid crowded trains |
| Bengaluru | 1,105 | Cybercrime, chain snatching | Be cautious with online transactions |
| Kolkata | 998 | Fraud, pickpocketing | Use prepaid taxis, avoid street touts |
| Chennai | 876 | Robberies, assaults | Stay in well-lit areas at night |
| Hyderabad | 812 | Online scams, theft | Avoid sharing personal info online |
| Patna | 1,050 | Violent crimes, robberies | Avoid political gatherings |
| Lucknow | 920 | Chain snatching, burglaries | Keep valuables hidden |
| Ahmedabad | 740 | Cyber fraud, burglaries | Use secure ATMs, avoid late-night walks |
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The total number of reported crimes in India in 2025 is over 6.1 million (National Crime Records Bureau – NCRB), which is reasonable for a country with such a large population, and the crime rate in India is 487.8 per 100,000 people (NCRB). The most common crimes in the country include theft, fraud, assault, cybercrime and crimes against women. Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Kolkata are among the cities with the highest crime rates. Now that you have seen the overall crime landscape of India, let’s take a look at the most dangerous cities in India.
1.Dehli | Crime Capital of India
Delhi is one of the most crowded cities in India and due to its high population density, it has the highest crime rate among major cities in India. As per statistics, the crime rate is 1422 per 100,000 people and the major crimes that occur in this city are petty theft, fraud, violent crimes and crimes against women, especially in crowded markets and public transport. If you really want to visit the attractions of this city, try to avoid the areas of Outer Delhi, Rohini and Najafgarh to avoid any problems and inconvenience during your trip.
2.Mumbai | High Theft & Cybercrime
Mumbai, the capital and financial hub of India, is another of the most dangerous cities in India, coming in at number two on our list. Areas like Dharavi, Korla and Govind are places to avoid as much as possible as street robberies, cyber fraud and drug-related crimes are prevalent in these areas. The crime rate in Mumbai is 1,218 per 100,000 people. Tourists are advised to be cautious in crowded areas like railway stations and markets.
3.Bengaluru | Rising Cybercrime & Robberies
Bengaluru is known as the third most dangerous city in India. The city has witnessed a lot of cyber fraud and street crimes, but kidnapping and robbery are also among the crimes that people may face most of the time. Majestic, KR Market and Shivajinagar are the most dangerous areas in Bengaluru, so be careful in these areas and try to avoid them as much as possible. The tech capital of India, Bengaluru, has seen a significant increase in crime in recent years, with the crime rate in the city reaching 1,105 per 100,000 people. Try to avoid walking alone at night in less safe areas.
4.Kolkata | High Street Crime & Fraud
Kolkata is ranked as one of the most dangerous cities in India with a crime rate of 998 per 100,000 people, and the most common crimes in this beautiful and tourist-filled city are pickpocketing, fraud, and violent crimes. Most tours to Kolkata try to avoid the Howrah, Sealdah, and Park Street areas, so if you want to stay safe, stay away from these areas and be aware of the dangers that lurk in the city at night. Kolkata is a mix of cultural charm and crime risks, and there are scams targeting tourists (fake taxis, overcharging), so be careful and be aware.
5.Chennai | Rising Violent Crimes
With a crime rate of 876 per 100,000 people, Chennai has some specific concerns for travelers that it’s useful to be aware of to avoid getting into trouble. Theft, assault, and cyber fraud are among the top risks to watch out for. Chennai is generally safer than Delhi or Mumbai, but certain areas have an increasing rate of violent crime. Central Railway Station and T Nagar are the most dangerous areas in Chennai.
6.Hyderabad | Cybercrime & Theft Hotspot
If you know Hyderabad as an Indian city, you’re familiar with the cybercrime and robbery hotspot. Hyderabad is a growing IT hub, but unfortunately, this growth in technology has also attracted people eager to exploit it. The city has a crime rate of 812 per 100,000 people, with online scams and chain snatches being the main concerns for tourists. The most dangerous areas in Hyderabad are Charminar and Secunderabad.
7.Patna | High Violent Crime Rate
Patna is another dangerous city in India and travelers should avoid political rallies and protests. The city has a crime rate of 1,050 per 100,000 people, with violent crimes accounting for the majority of these crimes. Other crimes that are common in Patna include assault, robbery, and political violence, which you should be aware of. If you want to know where to stay in Patna, the Kankerbagh area of Patna is a place you should not go.
8.Lucknow | Rising Street Crimes
Lucknow is the next city on our list with high street crime. The crime rate is lower than other cities, but the streets of Lucknow are not very safe and you need to be very careful with your cars. There are many concerns about the old areas of Lucknow, but the main ones are snatching and robbery. The crime rate in Lucknow is 920 per 100,000 people, and these crimes mostly occur in the Chowk and Aminabad areas.
9.Ahmedabad | Rising Cyber Fraud
The last city on this list has a crime rate of 740 per 100,000 people. Ahmedabad is the safest city compared to the previous ones, but we are still seeing an increase in cybercrime in this city. The most reported crimes from Ahmedabad are online fraud and theft in the Kalupur and Jamalpur areas. We recommend that you be careful if you find yourself in these areas so that you don’t get into trouble.
Safety Tips for Travelers in India
- Avoid Walking Alone at Night – Stick to well-lit, busy areas.
- Use Reputable Transport – Prepaid taxis or ride-hailing apps (Uber, Ola) are safer.
- Beware of Scams – Fake tour guides, overcharging, and distraction thefts are common.
- Secure Your Belongings – Use anti-theft bags and keep valuables hidden.
- Stay Alert in Crowds – Pickpocketing is rampant in markets and public transport.
- Research Your Destination – Some neighborhoods are riskier than others.
- Emergency Numbers – Save local police (100) and tourist helpline numbers.
Conclusion
Like other modern countries in the world, India has both dangerous and safe cities. Millions of people travel to the country every year, some with a lot of awareness and caution, while others have no idea what they’re getting into. By avoiding high-risk areas, using reliable transportation, and keeping valuables safe, you can enjoy the beauty of India worry-free.
Below are some key tips that every traveler to India should know, and we hope you will put them to good use:
✅ Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore have the highest crime rates.
✅ Petty theft and scams are the most common risks.
✅ Research the neighborhoods before you visit.
✅ Take basic precautions to minimize risks.
