West Bengal CM Launches Dedicated Cyber Crime Unit, Warns of 'Epidemic'

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Thursday announced the creation of a dedicated cyber police network to combat what he described as an 'epidemic' of cybercrime. Launching cyber help desks at every police station and a statewide helpline, Adhikari stressed the need for a specialised unit, named the 'Durga Squad', to tackle rising online fraud.

Speaking at the launch event, Adhikari expressed particular concern over cyber frauds targeting beneficiaries of social welfare schemes. 'When those who are filling out forms for social welfare schemes and providing their account numbers are identified, money is disappearing from the accounts of those marginalised people,' he said. He added that cybercrime has 'effectively taken on the form of an epidemic' and requires urgent and coordinated action.

The Durga Squad will consist of officers trained in digital forensics and cyber investigations, with a focus on preventing and solving cyber fraud cases. Each police station will have a designated cyber help desk to assist citizens in lodging complaints and seeking guidance. The statewide helpline will operate round the clock, offering support to victims of online scams, identity theft, and phishing attacks.

Cybercrime has seen a sharp rise across India, with fraudsters increasingly targeting rural and low-income populations who are less familiar with digital safeguards. The West Bengal government's initiative aims to bridge this gap by ensuring that every citizen has access to a police response mechanism specifically designed for cyber offenses.

Adhikari also urged citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities promptly. He assured that the government would strengthen its response to cyber fraud and that the new unit would work closely with banks and financial institutions to trace stolen funds.

The announcement comes amid a nationwide push by states to bolster cyber security infrastructure following a spike in cybercrimes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Experts have called for more robust legal frameworks and public awareness campaigns to complement police efforts.