No steps for cybersecurity despite four years of CM’s declaration to introduce cybercrime cells

Since 2014, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been promoting the ‘Go Cashless’ initiative along with its ‘Digital India’ movement. However, as remarkable as the initiative to shift towards a cash devoid lifestyle is, the government still lacks the resources and the manpower to implement it. Four years ago, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis had declared the introduction of four cybercrime cells in Mumbai. But there have been no efforts in that direction which has led to an increase in the cases of cybercrime.   

The technological advances have also led to a rise in the crimes regarding cyber fraud, hacking, etc. Therefore, two years ago, CM Fadnavis had declared the Maharashtra Cyber Security Project to curb the crimes in the state. In response, the Home Department had decided to set up 46 'cyber labs' throughout the state at the respective District Headquarters and Police Commissioner Offices in the state.

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Currently, there is only a single cyber police station situated at Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC). However, the police station lacks the manpower to work upon the complaints of the consumers throughout the city. Every day, an average of 20 complaints are filed at the cyber police station and due to the lack of manpower, the complaints are forwarded to the local police stations.

With an increase of complaints in the city regarding cybersecurity, a cyber-lab has also been set up but the lab is said to be inexperienced to solve the cases and usually, the complaints from the consumers are also unheeded. The government even has allotted land as well as police officials for the development of four cybercrime cells at Bandra, consisting of two for Western Mumbai and two cells for Eastern Mumbai.

However, the construction work at the place has not even started which raises the question about what has been a hindering factor for the officials that stops them from constructing the necessary cyber crime cell. Therefore, the police officials are calling the CM’s declaration, a ‘fiasco, and just another gimmick’.