Kolkata Police's Cyber Helpline Sees Over 200 Calls on Launch Day
Kolkata Police's newly launched cyber helpline, Cyber Prohori, accessible at 1800345066, received a total of 212 calls by late evening on Wednesday, its inaugural day of operation. Among the numerous distress calls was one from a senior citizen residing in Ultadanga, who found herself ensnared in a sophisticated digital arrest fraud scheme.
Immediate Response to Digital Arrest Fraud
The elderly woman, visibly nervous, reported that she had been contacted by individuals claiming to be from a police force, who informed her that an FIR had been filed against her and placed her under digital arrest. A dedicated team from the helpline promptly responded to her call, providing crucial guidance and reassurance.
An officer involved stated, "We received the distress call from the Ultadanga woman on Wednesday morning. She explained that an FIR was allegedly drawn up against her by another police force and that she was subjected to digital arrest. We clarified to her that this is not standard procedure for any legitimate police force. We assured her of our ongoing support and offered to liaise with other police units if necessary."
Official Confirmation and Complaint Handling
Deputy Commissioner (Cyber) Abhishek Modi confirmed the helpline's active engagement, emphasizing that all complaints are being treated with utmost importance. Modi noted, "We can confirm that the calls are frequent. Our team is assisting victims by connecting them with their local police and cyber divisions for further legal aid and investigation."
Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime & Traffic) Rupesh Kumar provided a detailed breakdown of the call categories, revealing that most queries fell into nine primary cybercrime types. The highest number of complaints on Wednesday pertained to device and phone hacking, closely followed by fraud associated with hotel booking websites.
Diverse Range of Cyber Complaints
Other prevalent issues reported by callers included:
- Bank accounts being frozen or marked with liens
- Scams originating from shopping links on social media platforms
- Investment fraud and loan-related deception
- Impersonation calls from fake police agencies, including digital arrest attempts
Additionally, several callers sought assistance with recovery issues related to cases dating back five to six years, while many enquiries were jurisdictional, requesting information on the number and locations of cyber cells and cybercrime police stations across Bengal.
Helpline Operations and Public Impact
Police officials highlighted that the substantial call volume underscores the sustained public exposure to online fraud and a growing demand for clear reporting and referral mechanisms. Currently, the helpline operates in three shifts, providing 24x7 support.
An officer explained, "We are even receiving calls from outside Kolkata, which we are redirecting to the respective district or commissionerate cyber cells."
A senior officer from Kolkata Police clarified the helpline's purpose, stating that it is designed to guide victims of cyber fraud through the necessary steps. He emphasized, "This helpline is not an alternative to the national cybercrime portal. However, it will guide victims through the actions to take if duped, going beyond merely providing a docket number."
Enhanced Support and Successful Interventions
In a proactive move, Lalbazar released a comprehensive list of cyber cells attached to local police stations, along with email IDs and contact numbers available for complainants 24x7. Sources revealed that at least five divisional cyber cells—south, southeast, port, central, and south suburban (Jadavpur)—have successfully uncovered dozens of cyber crimes, some involving advanced techniques, and have managed to return stolen funds to victims.
This initiative reflects Kolkata Police's commitment to combating cybercrime and providing timely assistance to the public in navigating the complexities of digital fraud.
