CYBERCRIME VICTIMISATION IN INDIA: A FORENSIC VICTIMOLOGY STUDY OF DIGITAL EVIDENCE, INVESTIGATIVE CHALLENGES, AND VICTIM PROTECTION

The rapid growth of digital technology has increased the occurrence of cybercrimes, creating significant challenges for victim identification, criminal investigation, and victim protection in India. Cybercrime victimisation includes online financial fraud, identity theft, cyberstalking, cyberbullying, phishing, and other forms of digital exploitation. Digital forensics plays a crucial role in collecting, preserving, and analysing electronic evidence to identify offenders and support criminal proceedings. However, investigators and victims face several challenges, including anonymous online identities, deletion of digital evidence, cross-border jurisdictional issues, delayed investigations, and difficulties in reporting cybercrimes. Victims may also experience financial losses, psychological distress, social stigma, privacy violations, and secondary victimisation during the investigation process. The Indian legal framework, including the Information Technology Act, 2000, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023, provides relevant provisions for addressing cybercrime, investigation, and electronic evidence. This study adopts a doctrinal and analytical approach to examine the relationship between cybercrime victimisation, digital forensic investigation, and victim protection. It aims to identify existing legal and investigative challenges and suggest measures to strengthen forensic capabilities, improve victim support, safeguard privacy, and promote effective access to justice in India.