The Bihar Police is gearing up to enhance its cybercrime-fighting capabilities by establishing a state-of-the-art hi-tech call and training center in Patna. With the increasing threat of high-tech crimes in the state, the initiative aims to equip 176 selected police officers from various regions with specialized training in cybercrime investigation.
Senior police officials, including Additional Director General Kundan Krishnan, announced the plans at a press conference held in Patna. The new building under the Economic Offences Unit (EOU) will serve as a dedicated training space for officers to learn about cybersecurity. It will house offices for the IG Cyber, DIG Cyber, three Cyber SPs, and a cybersecurity SP, along with a bank official available for 24/7 support in cases of financial frauds.
Krishnan highlighted that the construction of the building does not require additional land as the police department already possesses the necessary plots. The design work is currently in progress, ensuring that the facility will be equipped with cutting-edge technology to provide comprehensive training to police personnel in the state capital of Patna.
Furthermore, the government has approved the establishment of two cyberforensic laboratories to aid in the investigation and analysis of cybercrime cases. These labs will play a crucial role in assisting law enforcement agencies in cracking down on cyber offenders and securing vital evidence for prosecution.
In addition to the training center and forensic labs, Bihar is also set to establish a dedicated cybercommando wing in collaboration with the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs. This elite unit will comprise specially trained personnel from Bihar who will undergo rigorous training at prestigious institutions such as IIT and NIT. A screening test for candidates is scheduled to be conducted in January 2025 in association with the EOU and I4C, MHA.
In 2024, Bihar reported 301 cases of ‘digital arrests,’ leading to the siphoning off of Rs 10 crore from victims. The EOU managed to freeze Rs 1.6 crore related to these cases, showcasing the effectiveness of their efforts in combating cybercrimes. Additionally, the state witnessed a significant improvement in freezing duped money from bank accounts, with a rise from 0.014% in 2020 to 16.78% in 2024.
DIG EOU, Manavjit Singh Dhillon, discussed the establishment of a cyberslavery desk within the EOU to address the issue of individuals from Bihar being coerced into working in illegal call centers in Southeast Asian countries. The desk has identified 374 individuals suspected of involvement in such activities, along with pinpointing travel agencies facilitating this illicit trade. The information has been shared with the authorities for further action and rescue efforts for affected individuals.
Bihar’s proactive approach in combating cybercrimes, coupled with the establishment of advanced facilities and specialized units, reflects the state’s commitment to ensuring the security and integrity of its digital infrastructure. The initiatives undertaken by the Bihar Police signal a significant step towards strengthening cybersecurity measures and effectively countering the evolving challenges posed by high-tech crimes.