The surge in cyber crimes in Bhubaneswar has become a cause for concern, with the police receiving a staggering 7,263 complaints involving fraud amounting to over Rs 82.53 crore in 2024 alone. This information, shared by the Commissionerate Police, sheds light on the alarming increase in cyber crimes in the state capital over the past three years.
In 2024, out of the total cases reported, 2,653 were related to financial scams, 1,872 cases were related to UPI fraud, 781 cases were related to credit/debit card fraud, 1,076 cases were related to social media scams, and 881 cases were related to other fraud calls. This highlights the diverse range of cyber crimes that are being committed in the city, targeting unsuspecting victims through various mediums such as SMSes, emails, WhatsApp calls, Telegram, and other social media platforms.
The numbers reveal a worrying trend, with 3,614 cyber crime complaints being received in 2022 and the number escalating to 4,832 in 2023. The total amount lost to fraud was Rs 13.99 crore in 2022 and a staggering Rs 42.61 crore in 2023. The Cyber Crime and Economic Offence police station in Bhubaneswar registered 322 cases in 2024 and managed to freeze Rs 23.60 crore, but only managed to refund Rs 2.50 crore to the victims. This indicates the challenges faced by law enforcement in combating cyber crimes and providing justice to the victims.
The police have been proactive in investigating cyber fraud cases and recovering swindled amounts, with teams being sent to various states such as West Bengal, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, New Delhi, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu in the past year. A total of 38 accused, including 20 from other states, were arrested in 2024, demonstrating the widespread nature of cyber crimes and the need for coordinated efforts to tackle this growing threat.
Aside from cyber frauds, the state capital has also witnessed a rise in other crimes. Police recorded 14,416 criminal cases in 2024 compared to 11,975 cases in 2023. The city saw a surge in murders, with 66 cases reported in 2024, up from 52 in the previous year. This highlights the need for enhanced vigilance and security measures to ensure the safety and well-being of the residents of Bhubaneswar in the face of increasing criminal activities.