In a groundbreaking move to combat cybercrime, Haryana Police has partnered with state legal services authorities to ensure victims of online fraud get their blocked money back immediately through Lok Adalat. This innovative system bypasses lengthy legal procedures, providing swift justice to those targeted by digital scams.
New Mechanism for Immediate Relief
The Haryana Police and State Legal Services Authority have established a streamlined process where defrauded amounts frozen in bank accounts will be returned directly to victims through Lok Adalat. This arrangement specifically benefits cases where money was blocked immediately after complaint filing but no FIR has been registered yet, according to an official police spokesperson.
Haryana Director General of Police O P Singh highlighted the significance of this initiative, stating that previously, even when victims' money was successfully blocked, they faced the arduous task of navigating court procedures to reclaim their funds. "Understanding this human challenge, the Haryana Police presented this simple and effective model before the government and judiciary. Now, no cyber fraud victim in Haryana will have to leave their rightful money to fate," DGP Singh affirmed.
The Four-Step Refund Process
The refund mechanism operates through a straightforward four-step procedure designed for maximum efficiency and minimum hassle for victims:
Step 1: Immediate Complaint Filing
Victims must immediately contact the cybercrime helpline at 1930 or file a complaint on cybercrime.gov.in. Police will take prompt action to block the fraudster's account, initiating the recovery process during the critical "Golden Hour."
Step 2: Application to District Legal Services Authority
The victim needs to apply to the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) by completing a simple form requesting refund. During this stage, the investigating officer assists the victim in preparing necessary documents and bank reports.
Step 3: Verification and Court Order
After thorough verification, the DLSA forwards the application to Lok Adalat/Permanent Lok Adalat. The conciliation proceedings are completed, and the refund order is issued within one week.
Step 4: Fund Release
Once the court order is received, the concerned bank immediately releases the blocked amount to the victim's account. Both police and DLSA ensure the court order reaches the bank and victim electronically without delays.
Legal Framework and Notification
The state police had formally requested the Haryana government and Haryana State Legal Services Authority (HALSA) to include applications related to releasing blocked cyber fraud money under Public Utility Services in Permanent Lok Adalats. The Department of Administration of Justice in Haryana accepted this request and issued an official notification bringing such cyber applications under Lok Adalat jurisdiction.
This classification means applications will be treated as Pre-Litigation Cases (PLCs), dramatically accelerating the justice process. Notably, the entire procedure doesn't require victims to hire lawyers—they can apply independently with DLSA's support.
DGP's Strong Warning Against Digital Scams
DGP O P Singh issued a stern warning against emerging cyber threats, particularly the concerning trend of "digital arrest" scams. "There is no such thing called a 'digital arrest' as claimed by many cyber fraudsters. It is totally absurd. If anybody receives such calls, they should first hurl a hundred abuses at the caller. Then, immediately report the matter to the cybercrime helpline 1930," the police chief advised.
Singh emphasized that the Haryana government has recruited specialized cyber-commandos to handle such fraudsters. "The best way to prevent cyber fraud is to never do anything out of fear or greed," he cautioned, urging citizens to remain vigilant against sophisticated online manipulation tactics.
Additional Advisories on Job Fraud
Amid ongoing repatriation of Indian nationals trapped in cyber-fraud operations in Thailand—including many from Haryana—the state police issued a comprehensive advisory on job fraud. The advisory urges all Haryana residents to contact relatives working abroad, especially in Southeast Asia, to ensure they aren't trapped in cyber job scams or "cyber slavery."
Before accepting any overseas job offer, thorough verification of the offer, company, and recruitment agent is essential. The advisory specifically highlighted that visa-free entry for Indian passport holders in Thailand applies only to tourism and short business visits—not employment. Misuse of this facility could lead to detention or legal action.
DGP Singh concluded with an urgent appeal to citizens: "Together, we have ensured that victims get quick relief and justice. I appeal to all citizens to immediately report fraud during the 'Golden Hour' by calling 1930, so that the police can save their hard-earned money." This initiative represents a significant step forward in India's fight against cybercrime, offering tangible solutions for victims while strengthening preventive measures.
