Cyber crime cases spike in Himachal Pradesh, mostly women targeted

SHIMLA: Himachal has recently reported a spurt in cases of cyber crime in the state. In most such cases, miscreants persuaded women to send their nude or semi-nude photos to them, which they later used to blackmail or harass them. In many instances, suspects have also morphed photos of women. Apparently, most women were not aware of the possibility of their photos being misused by suspects.
Superintendent of police (SP, law and order) Khushal Sharma said cases of bank fraud have also increased manifold. Conmen are targeting residents by luring them with debit or credit card reactivation, online bookings, free Covid-19 test, jobs abroad, winning lotteries, zero percent interest loans, revival of insurance policies, installation of mobile towers and free recharges, among others. He cited the recent incident of a person in Nurpur, Kangra district being duped of Rs 39.65 lakh. “This was a high order crime in which criminals elicited information from the bank and no information was obtained from the victim,” he said.
The SP said the police department has attempted awareness programmes about cyber fraud.
During the recent Vidhan Sabha Assurances Committee meeting held on July 10, which was attended by director general of police (DGP) and additional chief secretary (home), the need to create public awareness to prevent cyber crime was highlighted.
While the police department has the mandate of registration and investigation of cyber crime cases, the DGP said every resident needs to be educated through information, education and communication (IEC). He has also discussed a state-wide awareness plan with the principal secretary, Information Technology.