Patna: Bihar has intensified its campaign against cybercrime, with Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit directing district authorities to expand public awareness of the national cybercrime helpline, 1930, and strengthen enforcement against organised cyber fraud networks across the state.
The directions were issued during a statewide review meeting held via video conference on Friday, jointly chaired by the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police Vinay Kumar. District Magistrates, Senior Superintendents of Police, and Superintendents of Police from all districts participated in the meeting, which assessed Bihar’s preparedness and compliance with directives issued during the 52nd PRAGATI review meeting.
1930 Helpline To Be Displayed Across Public Platforms
Calling public protection from cybercrime a priority, Pratyaya Amrit instructed officials to ensure the 1930 cybercrime helpline is widely publicised so that victims of financial fraud can report incidents immediately.
He directed departments to display the helpline number on electricity bills and electricity payment mobile applications. The number will also be promoted through packaging of Sudha dairy products and displayed at Sudha parlours and booths across Bihar.
Municipal authorities have been asked to feature cyber awareness messages and the helpline number on LED screens, digital hoardings, and other high-footfall public locations. Educational institutions have also been instructed to continue regular awareness programmes such as Cyber Tuesday.
Operation Cyber Prahar Targets Organised Fraud
Officials reviewed the progress of Operation Cyber Prahar, the state’s campaign against organised cybercriminals.
According to the presentation made during the meeting:
- 6,251 mule bank accounts have been verified.
- Legal proceedings have been initiated against 702 individuals.
- 507 accused have been arrested.
Four Bihar Districts Among National Cyber Hotspots
The review noted that Nawada (2nd), Nalanda (4th), Patna (7th), and Sheikhpura (15th) rank among India’s identified cybercrime hotspot districts. Patna also features prominently in cases involving fraudulent ATM and cheque withdrawals.
Police officials have been instructed to maintain close surveillance and ensure prompt action in these districts.
Recovery of Defrauded Money
The meeting also reviewed efforts to restore funds to cybercrime victims.
Under the Money Restoration Module (MRM), Bihar has 16,593 cases eligible for fund recovery. Police action has resulted in restoration orders worth Rs 224.53 lakh in 5,642 cases.
Officials said the state has also resolved more than 98% of complaints relating to the unjustified freezing of bank accounts through the Grievance Redressal Module (GRM).
Progress on Cyber Investigation Portals
The state reported improvements in the use of national cyber investigation platforms.
Bihar Police has processed 90.22% of interstate investigation requests received through the Samanvay (CIAR) portal. Through the Sahyog portal, 75.65% of URLs flagged by Bihar for illegal or misleading cyber content have been removed.
More than 4,221 Bihar Police personnel have also received specialised training in cybercrime investigation and cybersecurity.
Fresh Directives to District Authorities
The Chief Secretary directed officials to expedite the registration of e-Zero FIRs in cyber fraud cases, particularly those involving losses exceeding Rs 1 lakh, and ensure their prompt conversion into regular FIRs through the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS).
District Magistrates were also instructed to work closely with banks through District Level Bankers’ Committee (DLBC) meetings to freeze mule accounts quickly and facilitate the return of defrauded money to victims.
In addition, officials were ordered to launch a special drive against agents and networks involved in procuring SIM cards using forged documents, as part of the state’s broader strategy to curb cyber-enabled financial crime.
