TV
The Law enforcement agencies across Odisha are intensifying their fight against the escalating threat of cybercrime. Officers of all ranks, from constables to Deputy Superintendents of Odisha Police, are reportedly undergoing dedicated training programmes aimed at effectively tackling this burgeoning issue.
New Cyber Police Stations
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi has already approved the creation of 20 additional cyber police stations across the state. Although these stations are yet to become fully operational, the move signifies a significant step forward in strengthening the state's cybercrime response infrastructure. In the interim, the Director General of Police has pledged that all officers will undergo crucial training to combat the surge in cyber offences.
Rising Incidents and Response
In 2024, the Cyber Helpline number 1930 reportedly registered a deluge of calls, approximately 6,50,000, underscoring the prevalent nature of cyber incidents. Reports from cyber and regular police stations reveal that over 38,000 individuals were victims of financial fraud, resulting in losses amounting to a staggering Rs 376 crore. Of these, authorities reportedly managed to block only Rs 37 crore, with Rs 4 crore successfully reimbursed to the affected individuals.
Current Developments
As of April 2025, around 14,000 complaints pertaining to cyber crimes have reportedly been lodged, wherein fraudsters have illicitly acquired over Rs 110 crore. This shows police efforts to bolster their cybercrime response come at an essential junction as digital threats continue to evolve rapidly.
"Cybercrimes have been spreading in the whole country at an alarming rate. Odisha police is preparing to battle the menace in an effective manner. We currently have a total of 14 cyber police stations in Odisha. The state government has recently sanctioned 20 more police stations. However, it will take time for these cyber police stations to be fully functional. Dedicated training programmes are being conducted to train all the staff and investigative officials on how to tackle cybercrime," said police DG YB Khurania.
