Patna: Cybercrime has emerged as the fastest-growing category of crime in Bihar’s capital, with Patna recording nearly three times as many cyber fraud cases as conventional criminal offences, according to police records.
Data from the Patna cyber police station shows that at least seven cybercrime cases are registered every day. Between January and December 2025 alone, 2,472 cases were filed, involving financial fraud ranging from Rs. 10,000 to over Rs. 2 crore. Additional complaints have also been lodged at local police stations, further inflating the overall figures.
The scams most frequently reported include fake online trading schemes, work-from-home investment fraud, sextortion, “digital arrest” threats impersonating law enforcement agencies, and phishing attempts disguised as electricity bill updates or credit card verification calls.
By comparison, conventional police stations in Patna typically register between 800 and 1,000 cases annually, while the cyber police station has consistently recorded more than 2,500 cases each year. In 2024, the figure stood at 2,582, while 737 cases were recorded in 2023, the year the cyber police station became operational.
Police officials say nearly 60% of the cybercrime cases involve organised financial fraud, often orchestrated by networks operating across multiple states. In many instances, calls originate from states such as Maharashtra, Delhi, Haryana or Rajasthan, while SIM cards are sourced from West Bengal and bank accounts are opened in districts across Bihar, including Patna, Bettiah, Madhubani and Sitamarhi.
This interstate structure has made it difficult to apprehend the main organisers of these fraud rings. Law enforcement agencies often end up arresting account holders or low-level operatives, while the alleged masterminds remain beyond reach.
The Patna cyber police station was established on June 9, 2023 and is currently staffed by one deputy superintendent of police, 15 inspectors and eight sub-inspectors. However, officials acknowledge that manpower is insufficient for the scale of complaints being received. Each investigating officer is currently handling more than 200 cases, significantly slowing the pace of inquiry.
To reduce pressure on the cyber police station, the then senior superintendent of police, Awakash Kumar, had earlier directed local police stations to register cybercrime cases as well. Despite arrests in several cases involving gaming app fraud and fake medical treatment scams, authorities admit that cybercriminal activity continues to rise.
Police say public awareness campaigns are ongoing, but warn that increasingly sophisticated methods and public unfamiliarity with digital risks continue to make citizens vulnerable.
