The Panchkula police have announced a significant breakthrough in combating cybercrime and enhancing public safety for the year 2025. The force reported a notable decline in cyber fraud incidents alongside a dramatic increase in arrests and financial recoveries for victims, marking a year of decisive action.
Cybercrime Crackdown: Refunds Soar, Arrests Double
According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Manpreet Singh Sudan, registered cybercrime cases in Panchkula fell from 169 in the previous year to 156 in 2025. However, the police's effectiveness in apprehending culprits saw a massive leap, with arrests nearly doubling from 91 to 173.
The financial restitution for victims emerged as a key achievement. Over a two-year period, the police successfully froze over ₹11 crore identified as proceeds of cybercrime. The amount refunded to victims witnessed a substantial rise, jumping from ₹1.35 crore in 2024 to ₹3.21 crore in 2025.
In a parallel success, the Cyber Cell traced and returned 150 missing mobile phones to their owners, with the recovered devices valued at nearly ₹22.5 lakh.
Focus on Women's Safety and Drug Trafficking
The police also highlighted positive trends in crimes against women. DCP Srishti Gupta pointed out a 20 per cent reduction in molestation and harassment cases, which decreased from 30 to 24. More significantly, reported rape cases saw a drastic nearly 50 per cent drop, falling from 27 to 14. The police attributed this to identifying hotspots and deploying forces for swift legal action.
In contrast, the district witnessed an increase in drug trafficking cases. In response, the police intensified their crackdown. In 2025, 124 cases were registered leading to 255 arrests, compared to 118 cases and 208 arrests the year before. Seizures vastly exceeded previous recoveries, including 246 kg of poppy husk, over 13 kg of opium, 1.93 kg of heroin, more than 17 kg of charas, and 20,410 intoxicant tablets.
A comprehensive campaign, “Drug- and Violence-Free My Village – My Pride,” launched in December, reached 551 villages and colonies, directly engaging over 27,000 residents. The initiative identified nearly 3,000 traffickers and, with medical support, began treatment for 2,736 victims, while 132 were admitted to rehabilitation centres.
In a strong move against the drug economy, properties of six traffickers, acquired through illegal trade, were demolished (up from two last year), and four more properties were attached.
Improved Emergency Response and Community Outreach
Operational efficiency also saw enhancement. The police reported that the average response time of emergency response vehicles was reduced to 8 minutes and 5 seconds, a significant improvement from 10 minutes and 35 seconds previously.
Commissioner of Police Shivas Kaviraj stated that the police delivered effective, transparent, and result-oriented work in crime control, drug eradication, women’s safety, and public security throughout 2025. He characterized the year as one marked by decisive action and meaningful community outreach, setting a new benchmark for policing in the region.
