Bhubaneswar: A total of 6,832 cybercrime cases have been reported in Odisha over the last three years, as informed by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi in the state assembly on Monday.
In a written response to a question by Rourkela BJD MLA Sarada Prasad Nayak, Chief Minister Majhi revealed that a total of 6,832 cybercrime cases were reported in the state between 2022 and 2024. Of these, 1,375 cybercrime cases have been closed, while 5,457 cases are still pending investigation.
The Chief Minister shared the year-wise breakdown of the cases as follows:
Number of Cases Reported:
- 2022: 1,983
- 2023: 2,348
- 2024: 2,501
Closed Cases:
- 2022: 445
- 2023: 471
- 2024: 459
Pending Investigation Cases:
- 2022: 1,538
- 2023: 1,877
- 2024: 2,042
The Chief Minister assured that efforts are underway to resolve the pending cases as quickly as possible.
Government’s Efforts to Prevent Cybercrime
The Chief Minister emphasized that cybercrime is a new-age crime facilitated by mobile phones and the internet. As methods of committing such crimes continue to evolve, victims often fall prey without their knowledge. In response, the state police have been actively raising awareness about cybercrime, working closely with various stakeholders, including media representatives.
A recent advisory has been sent to district headquarters, educational institutions, government offices, and public representatives, urging them to raise awareness regarding the dissemination of objectionable content on social media platforms.
The advisory specifically urges youth not to create or share such material and calls on media outlets not to publish or broadcast any objectionable images or videos or disclose the identities of victims and their families.
Cybercrime Prevention Guidelines
To address cybercrime effectively, both the Central and State Governments have implemented several measures:
Central Government Initiatives:
- 1930 Cyber Helpline: A 24/7 helpline for reporting incidents, tracing money trails, and preventing criminals from withdrawing funds.
- National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP): A dedicated online platform for victims to file cybercrime complaints.
State Government Initiatives:
- Dedicated Cyber Police Stations: Cyber Crime and Economic Offence Police Stations have been established in 14 districts, with plans to extend this to other districts.
- Cyber Investigation Support Team (CIST): Provides essential support to investigating officers.
- Cyber Forensic Unit: Monitors the procurement of cutting-edge software and equipment for cybercrime investigations.
- Synergy: Collaborates with banks and the IT industry to raise awareness and share cyber security tips in educational institutions and public forums.
- Monitoring and Coordination Unit (M&C): Works with banks, TSPs, and ISPs to identify fraud tactics and develop strategies to reduce cybercrime.
Through these initiatives, the Odisha government is committed to preventing cybercrime and creating a safer digital environment for its citizens.
