In a significant move to protect its elderly population from online fraud, the Kolkata Police has announced plans to establish dedicated cyber cell police stations in every division of the city. This initiative aims to spare senior citizens the hassle of traveling to the central Lalbazar headquarters to file complaints.
Local Cyber Hubs for Faster Grievance Redressal
Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Verma reiterated this commitment on Saturday while addressing a special gathering of the Pronam community in Tollygunge. He interacted with over 100 senior citizens at the event, emphasizing the force's focus on accessibility. The new divisional cyber cells will bring specialized assistance closer to the neighborhoods, ensuring quicker and more convenient reporting for vulnerable groups.
Busting the Myth of 'Digital Arrest'
Commissioner Verma took the opportunity to strongly debunk a prevalent scam tactic that preys on the fears of the elderly. He clearly stated that there is no such thing as 'Digital Arrest' and that individuals cannot be trapped or arrested virtually. "People must realize it is a virtual world. Why fear it?" Verma asked the audience. He explained that merely dropping the name of a police agency or central investigative body in a virtual threat does not make it real.
"It cannot be a stigma just because someone drops the name of police or a central agency. It does not mean that it exists in the real world," Verma asserted. He highlighted that awareness is the key weapon against such cyber frauds. The police are actively issuing fresh alerts every two to three days to keep citizens informed and vigilant.
Pronam: A Robust Support Community
The event was held under the banner of Pronam, a pioneering community service model for the elderly that is a joint initiative of the Kolkata-based NGO The Bengal and the Kolkata Police. Started in 2009, Pronam's membership has now grown to over 20,000 senior citizens. Its first enrollees included former Chief Minister Jyoti Basu and legendary actress Suchitra Sen.
Sundeep Bhutoria, Secretary General of The Bengal, who attended the event, stated, "Pronam created a community service model that addresses both physical and psychological needs of the elderly." The NGO provides social, cultural, and moral support to its members. Joint convener Arindam Sil was also present.
Commissioner Verma credited the consistent awareness campaigns for a notable drop in financial losses due to cybercrime in the city. The total monetary loss fell by nearly Rs 60 crore between 2024 and 2025. He concluded with heartfelt advice to the seniors: "Stay healthy, happy and in the real world that you belong to. Don't fall into the trap of the virtual world. Don't think you are alone, KP is always beside you." The informative session concluded with a cultural program presented by the Pronam members.
