Probe into cybercrimes delayed in rural police stations

Hyderabad: Even as station house officers (SHOs) in the districts are accepting cyber-fraud complaints, a lack of coordination in handling the investigation has become a matter of concern. The victims are forced to approach police headquarters to lodge complaints.

A few months back, cyber warriors were selected from each police station in the state and provided training, especially on dealing cybercrime cases in the rural areas.

Last year, the then DGP M. Mahendar Reddy spotted cyber warriors and provided training to five personnel from each police station.

The incumbent DGP Anjani Kumar continued the procedure and also directed the police and all SHOs to accept such complaints. However, although the police are accepting cyber fraud complaint there is a delay in investigation.

V. Yadi Reddy, DSP, Toopran, said that all SHOs are supposed to accept complaints related to cyber fraud and issue FIRs immediately. They have also provided training to even newcomers. He stated that a number of cybercrimes are reported from rural areas where innocent victims are easy victims.

"Victims can be reached at the concerned police station and need not go to headquarters to lodge cybercrime complaints. The investigation process will also take place from headquarters based on the intensity of cases," the DSP said.

To cite an example, a victim posted his details on a matrimonial portal in Siddipet. Cyber miscreants collected ₹1 lakh from him in a phased manner on the pretext of arranging an early marriage. However, after receiving the amount, the miscreants switched off their mobile phones. Dasturabad police registered the complaint and referred it to the cybercrime wing in the district headquarters for further investigation.

The police are actively working on tracing lost and stolen mobile phones using Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR).