Actions, Preparations, and Achievements of Bihar Police Against Cybercrime

Cybercrime Cases/Complaints/1930 Helpline Data and Public Awareness Initiatives

The Economic Offenses Unit (EOU), Bihar, Patna, is the nodal unit established at the state level in 2011 to handle all cybercrime-related matters in the state of Bihar. For smooth implementation of cyber-related matters, a separate Cyber Unit operates under the EOU. This includes multiple branches such as the NCRP Branch, NCRP Helpline 1930 Call Center, Social Media Patrolling Unit, Cyber Technical Assistance Team, Defreezing Section, Cyber Tipline Section, Cyber Forensics, Cyber Surveillance Team, and more.

To address the increasing incidents of cybercrime, in February 2023, the EOU established a 24×7 operational Cybercrime Reporting Helpline (1930 Call Center). Additionally, in June 2023, one cyber police station was notified in each police district of Bihar. Currently, there are 44 cyber police stations operational in all 44 police districts of the state. The EOU serves as the state-level nodal agency for all matters related to these cyber police stations.

Achievements in the Cyber Sector:

Launch of 24×7 NCRP Helpline 1930 Call Center:
- On February 26, 2023, the 24×7 operational NCRP Helpline 1930 Call Center started functioning within the EOU premises. The call center employs five police inspectors, six sub-inspectors, and 128 constables who work around the clock to respond to calls related to cybercrime complaints. Currently, the call center operates 30 SIP connections/computer systems.
- A dedicated team coordinates with banks and financial institutions to freeze fraudulent transactions.
Increase in Complaint Resolution:
- Before the establishment of the 1930 Helpline, in 2022 (January to November), only 5.25% of calls (20.26k out of 3.86 lakh calls) were answered.
- After the helpline’s launch, in 2024 (January to November), the call center answered 96% of calls (15.73 lakh out of 16.40 lakh calls), placing Bihar among the top five states in cybercrime response.
- The number of complaints reported on NCRP increased from 2,299 in February 2023 to 7,714 in November 2024.
Financial Recovery:
- In February 2023, out of ₹7.41 crore reported in online fraud complaints, only ₹48.08 lakh (6.48%) was held. In November 2024, ₹6.74 crore (16.75%) out of ₹40.24 crore was successfully held.
- The amount refunded to victims increased from ₹49,000 in February 2023 to ₹47.10 lakh in November 2024.
- To date, ₹100.61 crore out of ₹709.91 crore reported in online financial frauds has been held, and ₹3.96 crore has been refunded to victims.
Cybercrime Case Registration and Action:
- Bihar ranks third among Indian states in registering cybercrime-related FIRs, with 6,011 cases reported to date.
- Bihar consistently ranks among the top states in holding fraudulent amounts (in percentage terms). In June and August 2024, it ranked first among major states.
Surveillance and Blocking:
- The Cyber Surveillance Team has blocked 14,736 mobile numbers and 9,834 IMEI numbers used in cybercrimes. Mule accounts involved in cyber fraud are analyzed, and relevant details are shared with the Reserve Bank of India for further action.
Digital Arrest Cases:
- A total of 301 cases of digital arrests have been reported, involving approximately ₹10 crore in fraud, out of which ₹1.5 crore has been held.
Cyber Slavery Desk:
- This desk verifies individuals from Bihar working in Southeast Asian countries (e.g., Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam) where they may be coerced into running illegal call centers involved in cybercrimes targeting Indian citizens. To date, 374 individuals have been verified, and related travel agents have been identified for further action.

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Operation Cyber Prahar (Cyber Strike Campaign):

Initiated in June 2024, this special campaign involves intelligence gathering on mobile numbers used in cybercrimes. The data is shared with district cyber police stations for necessary action.
In 2024, 120 cybercriminals were arrested based on intelligence developed by the EOU, and an additional 688 were arrested by various cyber police stations.

Social Media Monitoring and Public Awareness:

Social Media Monitoring Unit:
- Operational since March 15, 2024, this unit monitors social media 24×7 and takes action against objectionable content. To date, 419 cases have been acted upon, 205 objectionable posts have been taken down, 4 web pages blocked, and 39 FIRs registered.
- This unit also raises awareness by posting e-posters and messages daily.
Public Awareness Campaigns:
- Regular campaigns are conducted across Bihar to educate people about cybercrime prevention through seminars, posters, social media, and public address systems in schools, colleges, and public places.
Training Programs:
- Since 2018-19, specialized training has been provided to 7,315 officers and personnel, including police, judiciary, prosecutors, and others.

Future Plans for Cybercrime Control and Cybersecurity:

Proposal for a dedicated Cyber Division under Bihar Police Headquarters.
Establishment of a State Operation Center for Cybersecurity under the EOU.
Government approval for two Cyber Forensic Laboratories to aid in scientific investigation.
Establishment of a dedicated Cyber Commando Wing with personnel trained by IITs, NITs, and other empaneled institutions.
Collaboration with C-DAC Patna to develop cyber forensic tools and cybersecurity apps.
Enhancement of cyber forensic capabilities with additional hardware, software, and forensic workstations.
Creation of 405 posts in 2022 for IT-background personnel to strengthen cyber units across the state.

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The concerted efforts of the Bihar Police, supported by advancements in technology and inter-agency collaboration, are aimed at curbing cybercrime effectively while building robust cybersecurity mechanisms.

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