Metal credit cards have become a visible symbol of premium banking, often associated with exclusivity, higher spending limits, and luxury benefits. Their weight and finish set them apart instantly, but the real question for most users is a practical one. Do metal credit cards actually offer enough value to justify the upgrade, or are they more about appearance than usefulness? Banks such as IDFC FIRST Bank offer premium credit cards that focus on feature-driven value rather than novelty alone.

Understanding what metal credit cards truly offer helps consumers decide whether the upgrade makes financial sense.

What Is a Metal Credit Card? 

A metal credit card is exactly what it sounds like. The card is made partially or fully from metal rather than plastic. This design choice is usually paired with premium positioning, higher eligibility criteria, and enhanced benefits.

However, the material itself does not change how the card functions. Payments, acceptance, and security remain the same as any other credit card. The difference lies in the benefits it offers and the user segment it targets.

Why Are Metal Credit Cards Appealing?  

Metal credit cards appeal to users who value premium experiences and visible differentiation. The physical feel of the card creates a sense of exclusivity that plastic cards cannot replicate.

Beyond appearance, metal cards are often positioned as top-tier products with added privileges such as higher reward rates, travel benefits, and lifestyle perks. For some users, this alignment of status and features is appealing.

The real test is whether the benefits justify the annual fee.
 
 Benefits That Usually Come with Metal Credit Cards 

Metal credit cards typically include a range of premium features, though the exact mix varies by issuer. Before considering an upgrade, it helps to understand what these cards generally offer.

• Enhanced Rewards: Higher reward rates on travel, dining, or premium spends.

• Travel Privileges: Airport lounge access, trip cancellation cover, and travel insurance.

• Higher Credit Limits: Greater flexibility for large purchases and improved credit utilisation.

• Priority Service: Dedicated customer support and faster issue resolution.

These benefits, not the metal itself, determine whether the card is worth holding.

Are Metal Credit Cards Worth the Annual Fee?
 
 Most metal credit cards come with higher annual fees than standard cards. Some also have strict spend-based conditions to justify fee waivers.

Users must evaluate whether the benefits they actually use outweigh these costs. A card that looks impressive but remains underutilised offers poor value.

For many users, a premium plastic card with similar benefits may deliver better cost efficiency.

Who Truly Benefits from Metal Credit Cards? 

Metal credit cards are best suited for individuals with consistent high spending, frequent travel, and regular need of premium services.

For such users, benefits like lounge access, reward acceleration, and travel insurance can offset the annual fee over time. The card becomes a tool rather than a statement.

For moderate spenders, the same benefits may remain unused, making the upgrade unnecessary.

Digital Experience Still Matters More 

Regardless of material, the day-to-day experience of using a credit card is digital. Mobile apps, real-time alerts, spend tracking, and easy service requests matter far more than the card’s weight.

A metal credit card with poor digital support will always underperform compared to a well-designed card with strong digital features. Usability should never be sacrificed for aesthetics.

Applying With Clear Expectations 

Before user apply online for credit card upgrade, users should carefully review eligibility criteria, fee structures, and benefit limits.

Applying purely for prestige often leads to disappointment when the benefits do not align with lifestyle or spending patterns. A thoughtful credit card decision should always be based on usage, not appearance. Comparing features across premium cards helps avoid overpaying for design alone.

Conclusion 

Metal credit cards can be worth the upgrade for users who fully utilise their premium features and maintain high spending levels. However, the metal itself adds no functional value. What matters is whether the rewards, travel privileges, and service benefits justify the higher fees.

For many consumers, practical benefits outweigh visual appeal. Institutions like IDFC FIRST Bank continue to offer premium credit card options that focus on real usage value, allowing customers to choose substance over surface and make upgrades that genuinely fit their financial lifestyle.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the BJP and the RSS over press freedom, alleging that the current regime has created an atmosphere where “independent journalism will be punished, and compliance rewarded.”

In a post on X marking World Press Freedom Day, Kharge claimed that sections of the media have been reduced to echoing the government narrative, while those who question authority face sustained pressure.

“The message of the BJP-RSS is clear: independent journalism will be punished, and compliance will be rewarded… those who persist in asking questions are targeted relentlessly,” he said.

Kharge pointed to India’s declining position in the global press freedom rankings, alleging that it has fallen to 157th place since 2014 under the BJP government.

“A free press… does not exist to amplify the government's narrative or conceal its failures. It exists to question authority, scrutinise power, and hold those in office accountable,” he said.

Invoking Jawaharlal Nehru, Kharge stressed the foundational role of media in a democracy.

“The freedom of the press is not just a slogan but an essential attribute of the democratic process,” he quoted, adding that this principle now stands “gravely compromised.”

The Congress chief accused the “Sangh Parivar” of “weaponising” laws to silence dissenting voices in the media.

“Defamation laws, national security provisions, and sweeping criminal statutes are deployed not as instruments of justice, but as tools of intimidation,” he alleged.

Kharge also cited figures to underline his claims, stating that over 135 journalists were arrested, detained, or interrogated between 2014 and 2020, while 36 journalists were imprisoned between 2014 and 2023. He further alleged that stringent laws like the UAPA have been used against journalists.

Raising concerns over safety, he claimed that journalists reporting on corruption have faced violence in BJP-ruled states, naming cases such as Raghvendra Bajpai in Uttar Pradesh, Mukesh Chandrakar in Chhattisgarh, Rajeev Pratap Singh in Uttarakhand, and Dharmendra Singh Chauhan in Haryana.

“They stand as grim reminders of the cost of speaking truth to power,” Kharge said.

Kharge also accused the government of attempting to tighten control over social media platforms, calling it part of a broader push for “total dominance.”

He urged introspection on World Press Freedom Day, warning that erosion of press freedom could have long-term consequences for democratic institutions.

“Any deviation from democratic principles… risks becoming normalised, causing lasting damage to democratic norms, values, institutions, and the people they serve,” he said.

Emphasising accountability, Kharge added that governments must hold themselves to the highest standards to preserve the balance between power and the people.

With PTI inputs

A devastating fire in a four-storey residential building in Vivek Vihar early Sunday claimed nine lives, including a 1.5-year-old child, officials confirmed, as authorities launched an investigation into the cause of the blaze.

The fire broke out around 4 am on the second floor of premises B-13, Vivek Vihar Phase I. At least 14 fire engines were rushed to the spot, and firefighters battled the flames for nearly two hours before bringing the situation under control by 6 am.

Most casualties were reported from the second floor, where five members of a family lost their lives — Arvind Jain (60), his wife Anita Jain (58), their son Nishant Jain (35), his wife Anchal Jain (33), and their young son Akash Jain (1.5).

On the third floor, another family of three perished: Nitin Jain (50), his wife Shailey Jain (48), and their son Samyak Jain (25).

One fatality was reported from the first floor, where Sikha Jain (40) died, while her husband Naveen Jain (48) sustained injuries and is currently undergoing treatment.

Police teams, including the local SHO and ACP, reached the site soon after the incident, alongside fire services and a crime investigation unit. During the rescue operation, more than 10 residents were pulled out of the building, with around 15 people evacuated in total.

Two individuals sustained minor injuries and were taken to Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital for treatment.

Officials said the identities of all nine victims have been confirmed. Preliminary findings indicate that the fire originated on the second floor, but the exact cause remains unknown.

A detailed inquiry is underway, with authorities examining possible safety lapses and structural conditions as part of the investigation.

The incident has once again raised concerns over fire safety compliance in densely populated residential areas of the capital.

With IANS inputs

The death toll in the cruise boat tragedy at Bargi Dam in Jabalpur rose to 12 on Sunday after the body of a five-year-old boy was recovered, while rescue teams continued an intensive search for one missing person, police said.

The child, identified as Mayuram, was found in the reservoir early Sunday morning. Efforts are ongoing to locate Kamraj, around 50 years old, an employee of the Ordnance Factory in Khamaria, said Bargi police station house officer Neelesh Dohare.

“The body of the child has been fished out. Search is underway for the remaining missing person,” Dohare said.

The incident occurred on Thursday evening when a nearly 20-year-old boat, operated by the state tourism department, capsized during a sudden storm.

A large-scale rescue operation is underway, involving more than 200 personnel. Teams include divers from the army — around 20 of whom were airlifted from Agra — along with the National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force, and local divers.

Search efforts are focused on depths of 40–50 feet, covering a radius of nearly 5 km in the reservoir, officials said.

Of the 41 identified passengers on board the ill-fated vessel, 28 were rescued soon after the accident. However, CCTV footage from the boarding point showed 43 people heading towards the boat, raising questions about discrepancies in the passenger count.

The Madhya Pradesh government has ordered a probe into the tragedy. In immediate action, three crew members have been dismissed, and the operation of similar vessels across the state has been suspended pending safety reviews.

With one person still unaccounted for and questions mounting over safety lapses, the tragedy has triggered fresh scrutiny of tourist boat operations in the state.

With PTI inputs

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has ordered a complete repoll in all 285 polling booths of the Falta Assembly Constituency in West Bengal’s South 24-Parganas district, citing “severe electoral offences and subversion of the democratic process” during voting on 29 April.

According to an EC official, the fresh polling will be conducted on 21 May from 7 am to 6 pm under “stringent security arrangements to ensure a free, fair and transparent exercise”. Counting for the constituency will take place on 24 May.

The decision follows an extensive review of reports from the chief electoral officer, district election officer, returning officer, field officials, and independent observers. The commission said these reports flagged serious concerns, including voter intimidation, unauthorised presence inside booths, and possible tampering.

“In view of the gravity of the incidents reported and the vitiation of the poll process, the commission hereby declares the poll held on 29 April in Falta assembly constituency as void and orders a fresh poll in all polling stations,” the EC said in its order.

To prevent any recurrence, the poll body has directed deployment of adequate central forces, micro-observers, and webcasting facilities wherever necessary. It also mandated full videography and close monitoring of the entire voting process.

The 29 April voting in Falta was part of the second phase of the two-phase assembly elections held on 23 and 29 April, with overall counting scheduled for 4 May.

The decision triggered sharp political reactions. Sukanta Majumdar welcomed the move, calling it a vindication of voters.

“This is a victory of the women of Falta over the atrocities of local TMC leader Jahangir Khan,” he said.

Falta is witnessing a multi-cornered contest, with TMC’s Jahangir Khan facing BJP candidate Debangshu Panda, Congress leader Abdur Razzak Molla, and CPI(M)’s Sambhu Nath Kurmi.

Responding strongly, Abhishek Banerjee launched a blistering attack on the BJP and the Centre.

“Ten lifetimes won't be enough for your Bangla Birodhi Gujarati gang and their stooge Gyanesh Kumar to put even a dent in my DIAMOND HARBOUR MODEL,” he wrote on X.

He also issued a direct political challenge: “Bring everything you have got… Come to Falta. Send your strongest, send one of the godfathers from Delhi. If you have got the nerve, contest in Falta.”

With the EC stepping in decisively and political rhetoric intensifying, the Falta repoll is now set to become a high-stakes test of electoral credibility in West Bengal.

With PTI inputs

Iran has dramatically escalated its stance in the Persian Gulf, with senior military and political leaders asserting full control over the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz — declaring that no vessel, “friend or foe,” can pass without Tehran’s approval.

Iranian army spokesman Mohammad Akraminia said the country’s forces are now firmly in command of the waterway, describing such control as a sovereign right long left unused.

“At present, Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps in the west and the country's army in the east are controlling the strait with power, and no ship, friend or foe, will have the right to pass without the permission and authorization of our forces,” Akraminia said.

He added that controlling the strait is “an inherent right” of Iran, signalling a decisive shift in Tehran’s maritime posture after years of restraint.

The move has triggered urgent reactions worldwide. According to Iran’s deputy foreign minister Hamid Ghanbari, several countries are already seeking safe passage for their vessels through diplomatic channels.

“Different countries are anxiously and urgently requesting Iran… to let their ships pass,” Ghanbari said, as quoted by Iranian media.

The tightening of control dates back to 28 February, when Iran restricted passage for vessels linked to the United States and Israel following joint strikes on its territory — marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei framed the development as part of a broader strategic shift, declaring that a “new chapter” is being written in the Persian Gulf.

In a message marking National Persian Gulf Day, he announced plans for a new legal and administrative framework governing the strait — one he claimed would benefit regional nations.

“The new legal framework and management system for the Strait of Hormuz will advance comfort and development for all the region’s nations,” Khamenei said.

He also invoked Iran’s historical resistance against foreign powers, criticising Western involvement in the region.

“This strategic asset has long provoked the greed of many evildoers… the repeated invasions by European and American foreigners reflect the malicious schemes of global oppressors,” the message read.

Khamenei further projected a future vision of the region independent of US influence.

“The future of the Persian Gulf will be bright and free of America, devoted to progress, peace, and prosperity,” he said.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes, handling a significant share of global shipments. Any disruption — or even the threat of one — can quickly impact energy markets and global trade.

Iran’s assertion of control raises the stakes in an already volatile region, with the risk of confrontation increasing as global powers weigh their response to what could effectively amount to a maritime chokehold.

With Tehran doubling down on both military control and a new legal framework, and international pressure mounting, the Strait of Hormuz is fast becoming the focal point of a high-stakes geopolitical showdown.

With IANS inputs

US President Donald Trump has warned that military strikes against Iran could resume “if they misbehave”, even as Tehran signalled willingness for a negotiated end to the conflict under a fragile, three-week ceasefire.

Speaking to reporters at Palm Beach airport before departing for Miami, Trump balanced diplomacy with deterrence, making clear that Washington remains prepared to escalate if provoked.

“If they misbehave, if they do something bad… it’s a possibility that could happen, certainly,” he said.

Trump confirmed he was reviewing a fresh Iranian proposal mid-flight, but expressed doubts about its acceptability.

“I'm looking at it… They told me about the concept of the deal. They're going to give me the exact wording now,” he said, before adding later on social media: “I can’t imagine that it would be acceptable… they have not yet paid a big enough price for what they have done to Humanity, and the World, over the last 47 years.”

Iranian officials, however, struck a measured but firm tone in response, defending their proposal as a credible pathway to de-escalation while rejecting what they described as “threat-based diplomacy”.

A senior Iranian diplomat, quoted in state media, said Tehran is “serious about reaching a sustainable agreement” but warned that continued US military pressure and blockade tactics undermine trust.

“Negotiations cannot succeed under threats or coercion. If the United States is genuinely seeking peace, it must demonstrate it through actions, not ultimatums,” the official said.

Iran also reiterated that its proposal is structured to ensure mutual de-escalation, not unilateral concessions — pushing back against Trump’s assertion that Tehran has yet to “pay a price.”

According to a report by Axios, the Iranian proposal lays out a phased roadmap. It calls for a one-month negotiation window focused on reopening the crucial Strait of Hormuz, lifting the US naval blockade, and formally ending hostilities in Iran and Lebanon.

Iranian sources have indicated that these steps are essential confidence-building measures. Only after their implementation, they say, can talks progress to a second phase addressing Tehran’s nuclear programme.

“Security in the region, including freedom of navigation, must be restored as a first step,” an Iranian official said, emphasising the importance of reopening Hormuz.

Despite diplomatic signals, both sides appear to be hedging. Trump was recently briefed by Brad Cooper on updated military strike plans, while US naval deployments in the region remain active.

Cooper has already travelled to the Arabian Sea, meeting troops aboard the USS Tripoli, in a show of operational readiness.

Iran, meanwhile, has warned that any renewed strikes would invite a “proportionate and immediate response,” raising concerns that the ceasefire could quickly unravel.

The standoff is also taking a toll on the US economy. Gasoline prices have surged to $4.39 per gallon — a 47 per cent jump since the conflict escalated in late February — adding pressure on the Trump administration.

Trump acknowledged the domestic impact, linking rising fuel costs to the ongoing crisis.

“Now gasoline is high. As soon as the war ends, the gasoline prices will come down,” he said.

Iranian officials, however, argue that the US naval blockade is a key driver of global supply disruptions, and have called for its immediate lifting as part of any deal.

With PTI inputs

A local MP/MLA court on Saturday rejected a plea seeking a voice sample of Rahul Gandhi in an ongoing defamation case, and scheduled the next hearing for 11 May.

The application was filed by BJP functionary Vijay Mishra through his counsel Santosh Kumar Pandey, requesting that Gandhi’s voice sample be obtained for forensic comparison with an audio clip submitted as evidence.

The court dismissed the plea after hearing arguments from both sides, including Gandhi’s counsel Kashi Prasad Shukla. Following the decision, Pandey said they would challenge the order by filing a revision petition before a sessions court.

The case dates back to 2018, when Mishra filed a defamation complaint over alleged remarks made by Gandhi against Amit Shah during the Karnataka Assembly election campaign.

After several years of proceedings, the court issued a warrant against Gandhi in December 2023. The Congress leader, who is also the MP from Rae Bareli, later appeared before the court in February 2024 and was granted bail on two sureties of Rs 25,000 each.

Gandhi recorded his statement in July last year, denying the allegations and describing the case as politically motivated.

The matter has seen multiple delays in recent months, including adjournments due to a lawyers’ strike and the ill health of Gandhi’s counsel. The case will now come up for further hearing later this month.

With PTI inputs

Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda has introduced a new academic module centred on the leadership philosophy of PM Narendra Modi, marking what is being described as a first-of-its-kind addition to a sociology curriculum.

The module, titled ‘Modi Tattva’, has been incorporated into a paper on the “Sociology of Patriotism” offered under the university’s BA and MA sociology programmes, The Hindu reported. It will be taught alongside topics covering the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and historical figures such as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Sayajirao Gaekwad III.

The inclusion has drawn attention as it places a contemporary political figure within an academic framework typically reserved for historical or theoretical analysis. Sociology department head Virendra Singh said the move reflects the need to examine present-day leadership through established sociological theories.

He noted that the module draws on Max Weber’s concept of charismatic authority, which has previously been applied to leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr..

Singh told The Hindu that the course would explore Modi’s leadership in terms of public acceptance and sustained electoral presence, arguing that contemporary political figures cannot be excluded from academic discourse. “Whether one agrees or not, such leadership must be analysed within political and sociological contexts,” he said.

The paper will be offered to fourth-year undergraduate students and postgraduate students, carrying four credits across four units and involving around 60 hours of teaching. The syllabus will cover themes such as geo-nationalism and cultural nationalism, alongside case studies of policy initiatives including demonetisation, digital governance measures, FASTag implementation and the establishment of the Jal Shakti Ministry.

According to Singh, the design of the course was influenced in part by fieldwork conducted by postgraduate students during surveys linked to a NITI Aayog project in rural areas. These studies, he said, highlighted the role of RSS-affiliated individuals in the delivery of government programmes, prompting the inclusion of the organisation in the curriculum.

The development comes amid ongoing debates over the role of contemporary political figures in academic syllabi and the boundaries between scholarly analysis and ideological framing in higher education.

Air India has decided to scale back its international operations between May and July as surging aviation fuel prices and restricted airspace continue to erode profitability, according to industry sources and company communication.

The airline plans to reduce services to key regions including Europe, North America, Australia and Singapore from June, as longer flight routes—caused by airspace restrictions linked to the ongoing West Asia conflict—have significantly increased fuel consumption.

In a message to employees, outgoing chief executive and managing director Campbell Wilson said several international routes had become financially unviable under current conditions.

“A massive rise in jet fuel prices, together with airspace closures and longer flying routes, has caused many of our international flights to become unprofitable to operate,” he noted, adding that the situation remains “extremely challenging”.

Wilson said the airline had already reduced some services in April and May and would be forced to trim schedules further in the coming months. While domestic operations have also been affected, the impact has been comparatively lower due to limits placed on domestic fuel price increases.

Air India Group is estimated to have incurred losses of over Rs 22,000 crore in the financial year ending 31 March 2026, reflecting the mounting pressure on the aviation sector.

The airline has attempted to offset rising costs by increasing fares and imposing fuel surcharges. However, Wilson acknowledged that higher ticket prices have dampened demand. “We can only raise fares so much before passengers choose not to travel,” he said.

The move comes days after the Federation of Indian Airlines (FIA) flagged concerns to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, warning that current fuel prices are pushing airlines towards unsustainable operations. In a recent communication, the industry body said aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices for international flights had risen by around Rs 73 per litre.

The FIA cautioned that the sector is under “extreme stress”, exacerbated by the West Asia conflict and steep fuel price increases. It noted that ATF, which typically accounts for 30–40 per cent of an airline’s costs, now makes up as much as 55–60 per cent of total operating expenses.

Industry analysts say that unless fuel prices stabilise or operational constraints ease, airlines may be forced to further rationalise routes, potentially impacting connectivity and passenger traffic in the coming months.

Lyricist, writer and communications professional Prasoon Joshi has been appointed chairman of Prasar Bharati, India’s public service broadcaster, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting announced on Saturday.

Joshi, who has been serving as chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) since August 2017, is among the few individuals to have been entrusted with both roles by the ministry. Government sources indicated that a new CBFC chairperson is likely to be appointed soon.

The position of Prasar Bharati chairman had remained vacant since December 2025, following the resignation of former bureaucrat Navneet Sehgal.

In an official statement, the ministry described Joshi as a distinguished creative professional with contributions across literature, advertising, cinema and public communication. It added that he is known for his writing and cultural perspective, and has played a notable role in shaping contemporary media narratives in India.

Joshi’s tenure at the CBFC has, however, not been without controversy. In 2019, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena called for his resignation, alleging preferential treatment in the certification of a biopic on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. There have also been periodic allegations regarding the functioning of the board.

Before his role in public institutions, Joshi held senior positions in the advertising industry, including chief executive officer of McCann World Group India and chairman of its Asia Pacific division. He has also been a trustee of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts since 2016.

Established under the Prasar Bharati Act, 1990, and operational since 1997, Prasar Bharati functions as India’s statutory public broadcaster. It oversees All India Radio, one of the largest radio networks globally, and Doordarshan, the country’s national television network.

With PTI inputs

Massive outrage broke out in Nasrapur village of Maharashtra’s Pune district after a three-year-old girl was raped and murdered, with angry villagers demanding that the 65-year-old accused be handed over to them so that he could be publicly hanged.

Protesters raised slogans demanding that the accused be handed over, saying they would execute him themselves. A complete shutdown was observed in Nasrapur and surrounding villages, while villagers also blocked the Pune–Satara highway in protest.

The incident has revived memories of the recent Badlapur rape and murder case, once again raising serious concerns over women’s safety in Maharashtra.

The opposition condemned the incident and targeted the government led by Devendra Fadnavis, who also holds the home portfolio. Opposition leaders alleged that incidents of violence against women have increased during his tenure and reiterated their demand for the implementation of the Shakti law.

The proposed Shakti law in Maharashtra provides for time-bound investigations (within 15–30 days) and stringent punishment, including the death penalty, in cases of crimes against women and children such as rape and acid attacks. The law is currently awaiting approval from the central government.

Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad said the law had been drafted during the Maha Vikas Aghadi government and urged the current administration to take steps towards its implementation. Former Home Minister Anil Deshmukh, Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar and NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) MLA Rohit Pawar also criticised the delay.

According to police, the victim had come to stay with relatives during her summer holidays. On May 1, the accused allegedly lured the child to a cattle shed, where he raped and murdered her before hiding the body in dung. The crime came to light on May 2 after CCTV footage showed the accused taking the child away.

Police arrested the accused and produced him before a court, which remanded him to custody until May 7. Officials said he is a repeat offender, with previous cases of rape involving a minor girl and an elderly woman, for which he had been convicted. He had been out on bail since 2019 before completing his sentence.

When Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar, who is also the guardian minister of Pune district, visited the victim’s family, she faced protests from angry villagers. She assured that the case would be tried in a fast-track court and that the accused would face the harshest punishment, including the death penalty if convicted. She also facilitated a phone call between the villagers and the Chief Minister, but tensions remained high.

Opposition parties, including Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT), strongly criticised the law and order situation and demanded capital punishment for the accused, citing the gravity of the crime.

The incident has also highlighted a worrying rise in crimes against women and children in Pune district. Official data show that cases under the POCSO Act increased from 256 in 2024 to 311 in 2025. Pune city recorded 280 rape cases and 613 incidents of molestation in 2025.

In March and April 2026, several serious cases involving minors were reported in Pune, including a gang rape of a 15-year-old girl with disabilities, further intensifying concerns over safety in the region.

Authorities have stepped up security in the area as investigations continue, even as public anger and political pressure mount for swift justice.