Tripura Launches Its First Cybercrime Police Station to Combat Digital Threats

Inauguration of Cybercrime Police Station

Agartala, June 28: On Saturday, Tripura's Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha inaugurated the state's inaugural cybercrime police station located in AD Nagar, Agartala. This initiative highlights the increasing dangers associated with smartphones and internet accessibility in the hands of wrongdoers.

During his address, Dr. Saha made a compelling comparison between traditional weapons and contemporary technology, cautioning that mobile devices with internet capabilities can sometimes be more harmful than automatic firearms like the AK-47.

“A smartphone in the wrong hands can cause as much havoc as any weapon. It can disrupt families, deplete finances, and ruin lives. When considering the potential damage to society, I see little distinction between a firearm and a mobile phone,” he remarked.

Emphasizing how technology has empowered criminal activities that often operate covertly, the Chief Minister referred to cybercrime as a “battle against invisible foes.” He underscored the necessity of equipping the state's police force with the skills to outpace digital offenders.

“We have already dispatched several officers for specialized training in cybercrime. I have instructed them to compile comprehensive feedback reports to enhance our capabilities further. The goal is to ensure our law enforcement remains a step ahead of cybercriminals,” Dr. Saha stated.

Encouraging citizens to stay alert and proactive, he urged the public to utilize emergency helplines like 112 and 1930 for swift resolution of cybercrime issues.

Tripura's Director General of Police, Anurag, IPS, who was also present at the inauguration, provided updates on the state's efforts to combat cyber fraud. He disclosed that across the nation, law enforcement has traced and recovered approximately Rs 3,400 crore lost to various cyber scams.

“In Tripura, we have successfully retrieved Rs 5.46 crore that was misappropriated by cybercriminals. Of this amount, Rs 32 lakh has already been returned to victims, with the remaining funds set to be disbursed once legal processes are finalized,” the DGP reported.

Describing the tactics used by cyber fraudsters, Anurag explained that stolen funds are often quickly transferred through multiple bank accounts, sometimes reaching foreign destinations. He emphasized that timely reporting is crucial for intercepting these transactions while the funds are still within India's banking system.

“We encourage individuals to report incidents without delay. Quick reporting provides us with an opportunity to halt the transfers while the money remains within Indian banking channels,” he added.

The DGP also reassured the public that the newly established cybercrime police station will be staffed with highly trained personnel and equipped with advanced tools to effectively tackle intricate cybercrime cases.