In recent news, Bihar has seen a concerning uptick in cybercrime cases, with a total of 5,187 cases reported across the state’s 44 cyber police stations until October of this year. This surge has resulted in the arrest of 571 individuals involved in various cybercrime activities. Among the 10 identified hotspots for organized cybercrime in Bihar are districts such as Patna, Nalanda, Nawada, Sheikhpura, Jamui, West Champaran, Darbhanga, Sitamarhi, Vaishali, and Muzaffarpur.
According to a senior cyber police official, there has been a significant increase in cybercrime incidents in Bihar, with the cyber helpline number 1930 receiving between 5,000 to 5,500 calls daily, a staggering 85% of which are related to financial fraud. Common scams involve fraudulent activities such as ATM card and bank account fraud, phishing for passwords and OTPs, as well as social media misuse including fake profiles for blackmail.
Recent data provided by the cyber police indicates that Bihar leads the nation in responding to calls made to 1930 and ranks fifth in freezing funds associated with cybercrime. In efforts to address this growing issue, 44 cyber police stations were established last year, covering 40 police districts and four railway districts. Victims have the option to report crimes at these specialized stations or at regular police stations, with additional provisions for women and children to file complaints via post or email. The cyber unit under the Economic Offenses Unit (EOU) oversees investigations and provides guidance in combating cybercrime.
Deputy Superintendent of Police and in-charge of the Patna cyber station, Raghwendra Mani Tripathi, highlighted that approximately 2,300 cyber fraud cases have been registered at the cyber police station so far this year. The majority of these cases, around 80%, involve financial frauds, while the remaining 20% are related to social media frauds.
Tripathi further elaborated on how cybercriminals operate in teams and meticulously target individuals using various methods. These criminals invest time in studying people’s profiles on social media platforms, gathering information about their friends, preferences, and interests. Subsequently, they use this information to carry out fraudulent activities.
In response to complaints received regarding the posting of obscene photos or videos on social media platforms, the cyber police issue notices to the accused in accordance with the guidelines set by the Supreme Court. For such offenses, there is a provision for a three-year imprisonment.
The alarming rise in cybercrime cases in Bihar underscores the importance of vigilance and awareness among the general public. It is imperative for individuals to safeguard their personal information and be cautious while engaging in online activities to avoid falling victim to cybercriminals. Authorities continue to work diligently to investigate and address cybercrime incidents in the state, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to combat this growing menace.