Lucknow, June 18: The rise in cybercrime statistics has prompted significant action from the Varanasi Cyber Cell. ACP Vidush Saxena emphasized that preventing cybercrime and taking action against offenders is a top priority.
Saxena explained that their approach consists of two main strategies: awareness and crime detection. He noted that awareness programs have had a positive impact, reducing the amount lost to cyber fraud from approximately ₹30 crores last year to ₹17 crores by June this year. This data specifically pertains to Varanasi, where victims have been able to hold funds through the NCRP portal.
The process of holding funds via the NCRP portal has also accelerated. This year, out of ₹70 crores, they have successfully held ₹5.5 crores. Additionally, they have refunded ₹76 lakhs in various cases, with the possibility of releasing more held funds currently in process.
Regarding their second strategy, Saxena reported that in the past year, the Varanasi Cyber Cell has taken action against 103 cybercriminals, sending them to jail. These criminals were involved in various types of cyber offenses from eight different call centers, including investment scams, fake job offers, and pyramid schemes.
Furthermore, he mentioned that they have invoked the Gangster Act against 20 accused individuals in five separate cases. Notably, Varanasi was the first district in the state to apply the Gangster Act in a cybercrime case in 2024.
Comparing this year’s statistics to last year, Saxena highlighted that their awareness campaigns have led to a decrease in cybercrime-related cases, whether on the NCRP portal or in FIR registrations. He also stated that the cyber cell utilizes high-tech tools to combat cybercriminals effectively.
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