World is facing biggest threat of cybercrimes, says CM Revanth Reddy

The State government’s responsibility was to instill confidence among people and that was the reason the government allocated adequate funds and recruited required officials in the police department. “Today, the world is facing the biggest threat of cybercrime. The cybercrime teams in Telangana are highly efficient in combating the crimes. Their job is commendable,” he said.

He flagged off 14 new four-wheelers and 55 two-wheelers sanctioned by the State government to Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) at Telangana Command and Control Centre (TGCSB) here.

Referring to drugs, he said the menace was ruining the families and also the system. “Telangana is known for fighting agitations and unfortunately the drug abuse has become rampant in the State,” he said, adding that the State government recruited special staff to eradicate drug menace.

“Drug addicts are committing crimes under the influence of ganja and narcotics are the main reason for increasing violence against children,” he said, appealing that Telangana youth should not become addicted to drugs. They should be strong and deal with problems and challenges.

The State government would award promotions to officials, who work hard to end the drug menace effectively and the government would discuss this issue and bring a new Act in the Assembly. Appealing to the media to focus more on problems being faced in the society rather than political controversies, he said the media has the responsibility to disseminate information regarding the good programmes which are being taken up by the government.

Extending gratitude to Megastar Chiranjeevi who is partner in the awareness programmes against drug abuse, he asked film actors to make a short video against drug menace during the film release in the theatres every time. The government will extend help to only those who comply with the rules while giving permission.

The film industry has also the social responsibility of safeguarding the society. People should be afraid of hearing drugs in the State in the future. Friendly policing is for only victims and not for criminals, he said.

Revanth Reddy also chaired an interaction meeting with law and order officers of Tri-Commissionerates of Hyderabad, Cyberabad and Rachakonda. While interacting with the police officers, he said the State government was committed to curb cybercrimes and make Telangana a cyber safe State and stressed upon dealing with cybercrimes with iron hand.

He further stated during this year itself, around 10,000 FIRs have been registered in the State. Telangana is one of the few States in the country which have a fully functional Cyber Security Bureau and a 24/7 fully operational 1930 call centre.

“We are among the top States in the country in freezing bank accounts of fraudsters, almost Rs.263 crore of lost amount has been frozen. As many as 36,000 SIMs, 8,300 IMEIs and 2,300 URLs/Apps have been blocked. By using state-of-art tools and technology, TGCSB has established crime links of 671 accused to almost 77,000 cybercrime cases registered across the country,” he said.

This information has been shared with all the States concerned. Since April, 2024, seven new Specialized Cyber Crime Police Stations have started functioning in the State. To help the public get back their lost money, the process of refund has been simplified and a total amount of Rs. 32 crore has been refunded to 5,191 victims since March 18, 2024.

In each and every police station in the State, a trained cyber warrior has been posted to handle cybercrime complaints. He further stated that the government was committed to provide support to the Cybercrime Bureau. In the first quarter of the year itself, Rs.3.75 crore budget has been sanctioned to the cyber bureau.