In a bid to tackle the surge in cybercrime incidents in Andhra Pradesh, the Director General of Police, Ch Dwaraka Tirumala Rao, announced the state government’s initiative to establish dedicated cyber police stations in each district. This decision comes in light of the alarming increase in cybercriminal activities that have been targeting netizens through various fraudulent means.
During his visit to Srikakulam and Vizianagaram towns, DGP Rao conducted review meetings with the superintendents of police (SPs) to address the growing concern of cybercrimes. He emphasized the importance of raising awareness about cyber threats among the public as a crucial step to protect individuals and businesses from falling victim to online scams.
The recent ‘digital arrest’ scam, which resulted in significant financial losses for unsuspecting individuals and businesses, served as a wake-up call for the authorities. The DGP warned against such fraudulent schemes and reassured the public that there is no legal provision for digital arrests and that government agencies do not contact citizens through phone calls for such matters.
The statistics reveal a stark reality, with 916 cybercrimes reported in the state in 2024 compared to 682 in the previous year. The financial losses incurred due to cybercrimes have skyrocketed, amounting to a staggering 1,229 crore rupees, of which only 225 crore was recovered from the fraudsters. These alarming figures underscore the urgent need for reinforced measures to combat cybercriminal activities effectively.
In response to this pressing issue, DGP Rao announced the establishment of new cyber police stations equipped with cyber experts to tackle pending cases and prevent virtual frauds. While existing cyber police stations in Vizag, Vijayawada, and the CID headquarters in Amaravati have been operational, they are inadequate to handle the escalating number of cybercrime cases across the state.
Furthermore, the Andhra Pradesh government introduced the Elite Anti-Narcotics Group for Law Enforcement (EAGLE) to combat the rampant ganja menace and drug abuse in the state. Law enforcement agencies have been actively cracking down on cannabis plantations in remote areas to work towards achieving a drug-free environment.
In addition to these initiatives, the police have been conducting awareness campaigns in educational institutions to educate students about the perils of drug abuse. Leveraging technology to prevent crimes, the installation of CCTV cameras in strategic locations with higher crime rates is underway. The state aims to deploy a total of one lakh cameras by March 1 to bolster surveillance and ensure public safety.
As cybercrimes continue to pose a significant threat to individuals and businesses, the proactive steps taken by the Andhra Pradesh government and law enforcement agencies are commendable. The establishment of dedicated cyber police stations and the implementation of stringent measures demonstrate a firm commitment to safeguarding the public against cyber threats and ensuring a secure digital environment for all citizens.