Gujarat DGP Chairs Regional Conference in Rajkot on Drug and Cybercrime Challenges
Gujarat Director General of Police (DGP) K L N Rao presided over a crucial regional conference in Rajkot on Sunday, focusing on two pressing law enforcement issues: the escalating drug seizures along the Saurashtra coastline and the growing menace of cyberfraud across the state. The meeting brought together senior police officials to strategize and coordinate efforts against these evolving threats.
Coastal Drug Trafficking Under Scrutiny
Addressing a gathering of senior officers, including range Inspectors General (IGs), Rajkot Police Commissioner, district Superintendents of Police (SPs), Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASPs), and Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs), DGP Rao expressed deep concern over the steady flow of narcotics being intercepted along the Saurashtra coast. He highlighted that repeated seizures indicate organized trafficking operations utilizing maritime routes.
The DGP issued clear directives to intensify coastal surveillance, strengthen intelligence networks, and enhance coordinated action to dismantle drug syndicates operating through these coastal channels. He emphasized the need for a proactive approach to curb the influx of illegal substances, noting that the pattern of seizures points to sophisticated criminal networks exploiting the region's geography.
Cyberfraud: A Growing Challenge with Recovery Hurdles
Cybercrime emerged as the second key focus of the comprehensive review. DGP Rao revealed that nearly Rs 50 crore has been refunded to cyberfraud victims across Gujarat so far, showcasing some success in recovery efforts. However, he pointed out that delays in reporting continue to severely hamper the chances of retrieving stolen funds.
Emphasizing the critical importance of the "golden hours" immediately after a fraud occurs, Rao urged citizens to act swiftly by dialing the 1930 cybercrime helpline. This prompt action is essential to block suspicious transactions and freeze compromised bank accounts, increasing the likelihood of recovery.
"Many victims of loan and investment scams approach police months after the offence, which drastically reduces our chances of recovery," Rao noted, underscoring the need for public awareness and immediate reporting.
Additionally, the DGP addressed threats issued to government offices, courts, and schools using fake identities and foreign-based Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). He confirmed that specialized teams are actively investigating these cases, which often involve complex overseas digital trails, requiring advanced forensic and international cooperation.
Improvements in Policing Performance
On a positive note, DGP Rao shared encouraging data regarding policing efficiency. In Rajkot city, response times have significantly improved, decreasing from 12–14 minutes to approximately seven minutes. Other districts across the region have recorded nearly a 50% reduction in response times, reflecting enhanced operational effectiveness and resource deployment.
Conclusion: A Twin Challenge for Law Enforcement
The regional conference in Rajkot underscored the dual challenges facing Gujarat police: curbing organized coastal drug trafficking and tackling the fast-evolving landscape of cybercrime. The discussions and directives issued aim to foster a more robust, coordinated, and responsive law enforcement framework to protect citizens and maintain public safety in the face of these modern threats.
