Bhubaneswar: Odisha police will establish a dedicated vertical wing to tackle cyber crimes more effectively in the state. This specialised unit will be led by an additional director general (ADG), who will oversee and co-ordinate cyber crime investigations across Odisha.The development coincided with the govt issuing a notification last week, highlighting the establishment of 20 new cyber police stations in the state taking the total to 34 and covering all 30 revenue districts. “Just like the recent creation of traffic & road safety wing that will be headed by an ADG-rank officer, we will soon have a vertical for cyber crime investigations in Odisha police. This will enhance the state’s capacity to address the growing complexities and sophistication of cyber offences,” said DGP Y B Khurania. According to the top cop, as cyber threats continue to evolve, the new vertical wing is poised to play a crucial role in safeguarding digital infrastructure and protecting people from cyber crimes in the state. The decision to form a specialised cyber crime command centre and monitoring wing comes in response to a marked increase in cyber-related incidents, including online fraud, data breaches, and identity theft, which have posed significant challenges to the police. Over the past 10 years, Odisha has witnessed an exponential surge in cyber crime incidents. Police records indicate a staggering 1917% increase, with cyber cases escalating from a mere 124 in 2014 to a worrying 2,501 in 2024. The financial impact of cybercrime has also risen significantly in the last six years. While fraudsters swindled victims of Rs 8.97 crore in 2018, the monetary losses escalated substantially to Rs 154.5 crore in 2024, recording an alarming growth of 1,622%. “By centralising efforts and resources under a dedicated wing, we aim to streamline investigations, improve response times, and enhance the overall effectiveness of cyber crime management,” the DGP said. The establishment of this unit is expected to involve the recruitment and training of personnel with expertise in cyber forensics, digital investigations, and information technology. Additionally, the wing is likely to collaborate with national and international cyber crime agencies to stay abreast of the latest trends and technologies in cyber security. The DGP affirmed the govt’s dedication to enhancing cybercrime investigators’ capabilities through advanced tools and technology. He said initiatives to bolster cyber investigation units statewide are underway. The DGP emphasised awareness as crucial for cybercrime prevention, noting that IT specialists are training police personnel in complex crime analysis.
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