In the era of seamless digital transactions, the dark underbelly of cybercrime is presenting a formidable daily challenge for law enforcement. This is starkly evident in Bhagalpur, Bihar, where police authorities report a worrying escalation in online fraud and digital offences, prompting a robust response from the newly established cyber police station.
A Digital Double-Edged Sword
Kanishk Srivastava, the DSP and incharge of the Bhagalpur cyber police station, highlighted the paradox of digital expansion. While it has democratized access to services, it has also amplified the scale and frequency of cybercrime. "The expansion of the digital landscape has enabled citizens to access digital services at their fingertips, but at the same time it has also amplified cybercrime incidents," Srivastava stated on Thursday. He emphasized that tackling this modern menace remains a significant challenge for the police force.
The data for 2025 paints a clear picture of this surge. So far this year, 91 First Information Reports (FIRs) have been registered at the dedicated cyber police station in Bhagalpur. The police have made headway, solving and disposing of 27 cyber fraud cases. Their efforts have led to the arrest of 53 individuals involved in various digital crimes up to December 25.
High-Value Frauds and Notable Recoveries
The nature of the crimes ranges from sophisticated scams targeting individuals to widespread frauds. Srivastava cited alarming examples, including a case where a senior citizen was digitally duped of Rs 1.20 crore through a 'digital arrest' scam. In another instance, a bank manager was tricked into paying Rs 1.11 crore via a fraudulent app under the guise of investing in stock market IPOs.
However, the cyber cell has also recorded significant successes in fund recovery. In recent operations, Rs 1.25 crore was successfully retrieved from cyber fraudsters and reimbursed to the victims. These operations have had a pan-India reach, with accused persons arrested from multiple locations including Murshidabad in West Bengal and Jodhpur in Rajasthan. In a separate crackdown, eleven cyber fraudsters involved in predatory loan schemes targeting gullible women in rural areas were also apprehended.
Srivastava added that proactive and timely intervention by the cyber police has prevented the transfer of several crores of rupees into the bank accounts of fraudsters, thwarting potential major losses.
Common Threats and Preventive Measures
The most prevalent offences plaguing the region include:
- Fake electricity bill recharge messages
- Fraudulent KYC (Know Your Customer) update requests
- Credit card and online banking frauds
- Circulation of fake mobile applications and phishing links
On the prevention front, the police are actively conducting cyber safety awareness programmes at various levels. "These programmes focus on identifying and preventing cybercrimes, including phishing, sextortion, online banking frauds, identity theft and blackmail using artificial intelligence," Srivastava explained.
He concluded with a crucial reminder: while the police and government machinery are intensifying efforts to combat cyberfraud, citizens must remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities to effectively address this growing threat. The partnership between alert citizens and proactive policing is key to navigating the digital landscape safely.
