Top 5 Crime Stories of 2025 That Shook India and Asia’s Security
2025 has been a grim reminder that crime and violence don’t always respect borders. From the valleys of Kashmir to the urban sprawl of Kuala Lumpur, and even in the bustling streets of Dhaka, Asia faced a series of chilling incidents that rattled public confidence.
While India confronted its own security nightmares, neighbouring nations battled political violence, digital threats, and piracy. These events weren’t just isolated crimes—they sparked urgent debates on public safety, governance, and the resilience of our systems.
Let’s take a closer look at the Top 5 Crime Stories of 2025 that reverberated across Asia, with direct implications for India.
1. Terrorist Ambush on Hindu Tourists in Kashmir’s Pahalgam Valley
On 22nd April 2025, the picturesque Baisaran Valley in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, turned into a bloodbath when militants ambushed a convoy of Hindu tourists. The attackers, linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and The Resistance Front (TRF), opened fire indiscriminately, killing 26 civilians and injuring over 20.
This was the deadliest terror attack in Kashmir since the 2008 Amarnath attacks, shaking the nation and sparking a security overhaul. International condemnations poured in, as India vowed stronger counter-terror operations. For the people of Kashmir, the attack reignited painful memories and fears of sectarian violence re-escalating.
2. Political Clashes Erupt in Gopalganj, Bangladesh—Regional Stability in Question
On 16th July 2025, violent political clashes broke out in Gopalganj, Bangladesh, during an opposition rally. Supporters of the National Citizen Party (NCP) were attacked by alleged pro-government activists. The violent confrontations resulted in five deaths and numerous injuries.
India, sharing deep political, cultural, and economic ties with Bangladesh, watched closely as political instability in Dhaka raised concerns about regional security and cross-border implications. With India’s Northeast historically sensitive to political shifts in Bangladesh, the incident drew significant attention.
3. Cyberattack on Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), Malaysia—Asia’s Digital Vulnerabilities Exposed
In March 2025, cybercriminals launched a major ransomware attack on KLIA, Malaysia’s primary airport. The hackers demanded $10 million USD after paralysing flight information systems, baggage handling, and internal communications. Although Malaysian authorities refused to pay the ransom, the incident disrupted airport operations for nearly two days.
For India, which is aggressively digitising its infrastructure, the KLIA attack served as a wake-up call. It highlighted how cyber warfare and digital terrorism can cripple critical services, prompting India’s Ministry of Electronics & IT to expedite cybersecurity protocols across airports and public utilities.
4. Surge in Maritime Piracy in the Malacca and Singapore Straits—A Trade Threat for India
The first half of 2025 witnessed a sharp 83% surge in piracy and armed robbery incidents across Southeast Asian shipping lanes, with 95 attacks reported, particularly in the Malacca and Singapore Straits.
Given that nearly 40% of India’s maritime trade routes pass through these waters, the rise in sea robberies posed a significant threat to India’s logistics, shipping costs, and regional maritime security strategies. Indian naval forces enhanced surveillance and joint patrol exercises with ASEAN counterparts.
5. Public Execution of Businessman Lal Chand “Sohag” in Dhaka, Bangladesh
On 9th July 2025, Dhaka’s business community was rocked when Lal Chand Sohag, a metal scrap dealer, was publicly dragged out near Mitford Hospital and brutally murdered by extortionists in broad daylight. The viral CCTV footage led to mass protests in Dhaka’s business circles, demanding stricter actions against extortion gangs.
Given India’s business communities’ deep ties with Dhaka’s trading hubs, this incident resonated strongly with Indian entrepreneurs operating in Bangladesh. It also underlined how organized crime, if left unchecked, could destabilize economic zones and trade partnerships.
Why These Stories Matter to India
Each of these incidents isn’t just a local tragedy. They are a reminder of the interlinked nature of regional security. Whether it’s terrorism in Kashmir, cyberattacks on ASEAN’s digital hubs, or political instability in neighbouring Bangladesh, India’s own security, trade, and diplomatic interests are deeply intertwined. India, with its growing influence in regional diplomacy and security, must stay proactive—not just in reacting to these incidents, but in shaping Asia’s collective response to emerging threats.
