The Telangana State police in India have taken proactive measures to combat cybercrime and ensure justice for victims. In a remarkable display of efficiency and dedication, the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) managed to recover and refund a staggering Rs 85.05 crore (USD 10.13 billion approx.) to victims of cyber fraud between March and July 2024 across all commissionerates and districts of the State.
The success in recovering funds can be attributed to the prompt reporting of cyber fraud by victims. The Cyber Security Bureau officials highlighted the importance of reporting online fraud within the “golden hour,” or the first one hour of realizing or suspecting the fraud. This timely reporting significantly increased the chances of freezing fraudulent amounts in the perpetrators’ bank accounts and digital wallets, facilitating refunds to the victims.
To streamline the process of initiating refunds for cybercrime victims, the Telangana Police collaborated with the Telangana State Legal Services Authority (TGLSA). This collaboration focused on addressing the challenges faced by police officers in registering First Information Reports (FIRs) through India’s National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) and ensuring the swift return of fraudulent funds to victims.
One key initiative undertaken by the TGCSB and TGLSA was the development of a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to expedite the filing of petitions under Section 457 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC). This SOP was distributed to all District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) in Telangana, with the support of the Telangana High Court, emphasizing a robust legal framework to tackle the financial repercussions of cybercrimes.
Since the implementation of these measures and directives issued to all District Judges, a significant number of petitions have been submitted to the courts, resulting in refund orders for 6,449 cases totaling ₹85.05 crore. The Cyberabad Commissionerate in Hyderabad emerged as the top police unit in the state in terms of processed refunds, with Rs 36.8 crore refunded under its jurisdiction.
Furthermore, to prevent cyber fraud and enhance cybersecurity awareness among citizens, the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau established seven exclusive Cyber Crime Police Stations across the state earlier this year. The police urged citizens to take preventive measures, such as avoiding sharing personal or financial information with unknown entities, verifying the authenticity of messages requesting financial transactions, using strong and unique passwords, and keeping software updated to protect against vulnerabilities.
In conclusion, the relentless efforts of the Telangana State police, particularly the Cyber Security Bureau, have not only helped recover substantial amounts for cybercrime victims but also underscored the importance of cyber awareness and timely reporting in combating digital fraud. By collaborating with legal authorities and implementing efficient procedures, the police have set a strong precedent in addressing the financial implications of cybercrimes and providing justice to affected individuals. Citizens are encouraged to remain vigilant, report any suspicious activity promptly, and follow recommended cybersecurity practices to safeguard themselves against online threats.