In the era of seamless digital transactions, the dark underbelly of cybercrime is presenting a formidable daily challenge for law enforcement in Bhagalpur. With crores of rupees flowing through online channels every day, police authorities report a significant surge in digital offences, prompting dedicated countermeasures.
A Growing Digital Threat in Bihar
Recognizing the escalating threat, several states, including Bihar, have established specialized cyber police stations. In Bhagalpur, the cyber cell is grappling with an amplified wave of cybercrime, a direct consequence of expanded digital access. Kanishk Srivastava, the DSP and incharge of the Bhagalpur cyber police station, highlighted this paradox on Thursday. He noted that while digital services are now at citizens' fingertips, this convenience has been shadowed by a rise in cybercrime incidents, posing a major policing challenge.
Alarming Statistics and High-Value Frauds
The data for 2025 paints a concerning picture for the Bhagalpur region. As of December 25, a total of 91 First Information Reports (FIRs) have been registered at the cyber police station. Police have managed to solve and dispose of 27 cyber fraud cases, leading to the arrest of 53 individuals involved in various digital crimes.
The financial impact has been severe, with fraudsters targeting both vulnerable and savvy individuals. In one distressing case, a senior citizen was digitally arrested and swindled out of Rs 1.20 crore. In another sophisticated scam, a bank manager was deceived into paying Rs 1.11 crore through a fraudulent app under the guise of investing in stock market shares and IPOs.
However, proactive police work has yielded some recoveries. Rs 1.25 crore has been reclaimed from cybercriminals in recent operations and returned to the victims. These arrests have spanned multiple states, with accused persons apprehended from locations like Murshidabad in West Bengal and Jodhpur in Rajasthan. In a separate operation, eleven fraudsters involved in offering fake loans to gullible women in rural areas were also taken into custody.
Common Scams and Preventive Measures
The modus operandi of these criminals often involves familiar traps. Common offences plaguing residents include:
- Fake electricity bill recharge messages
- Fraudulent KYC (Know Your Customer) update requests
- Credit card frauds
- Circulation of counterfeit mobile apps and phishing links
On the prevention front, Srivastava emphasized that cyber safety awareness programmes are being conducted at various levels. These initiatives educate the public on identifying and preventing a range of cybercrimes, including phishing attacks, sextortion, online banking frauds, identity theft, and even blackmail schemes utilizing artificial intelligence.
The DSP revealed that timely intervention by the cyber police has successfully prevented the transfer of several crores of rupees to fraudsters' accounts. He stressed that while police and government machinery are intensifying efforts to combat cyberfraud, citizen vigilance and cooperation with authorities remain crucial in addressing this pervasive threat.
