By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: Economic Offenses Unit (EOU) DIG Manavjit Singh Dhillon revealed that Patna has recorded the highest number of cyber crime incidents in Bihar. To combat this growing menace, a proposal has been made to establish four cyber police stations in Patna. Additionally, three more Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) will be deployed to enhance cyber crime prevention efforts.
Five districts—Patna, Sheikhpura, Nalanda, Nawada, and Jamui—have been identified as cyber crime hotspots. During a press conference at Police Headquarters on Monday, DIG Dhillon announced that one cyber police station has already been notified in every police district of the state. Currently, 44 cyber police stations are operational across Bihar, with the EOU serving as the state-level nodal unit overseeing their activities.
Significant Cyber Crime Statistics
So far in 2024, 301 cases of digital fraud involving approximately ₹10 crore have been reported. Authorities have successfully recovered ₹1.6 crore from these cases.
Verification of Online Examination Centres
The DIG also disclosed plans to verify online examination centres in collaboration with the GST Department and the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. Once relevant data is obtained, verification procedures will commence.
International Links to Cyber Crime
Investigations have revealed links between several cyber crime cases and South-East Asian countries, including Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, and Myanmar. A total of 374 Bihari citizens who travelled to these countries have been identified, with many yet to return. Eight travel agencies have been scrutinised—two from Bihar and six from Delhi-NCR.
Helpline 1930 Records High Engagement
Bihar has been proactive in addressing cyber crime, with 16.40 lakh calls received on the NCRP helpline 1930 between January and November 2024. Of these, 15.73 lakh calls—96%—were resolved, keeping Bihar among the top five states for cyber crime response.
Plans for a Dedicated Cyber Division
The state government is taking steps to establish a separate cyber division within the police department, modelled after the EOU. IPS officer Rakesh Rathi has been assigned additional responsibilities as Cyber IG. The proposed division will include officers at all levels, from DIG to constables, and plans are underway for a hi-tech call centre and training facility in Patna to provide 24/7 cyber security services.
Proposal for a Hi-Tech Cyber Centre
ADG Headquarters Kundan Krishnan announced a proposal to construct a cyber centre near the Secretariat Police Station in Patna. The police department has offered land for the centre, and funding for construction has been requested from the government. The centre will feature advanced training facilities and round-the-clock support, including a dedicated bank official to address financial fraud cases. It will also be responsible for safeguarding the data security of key state government departments.