Bengaluru has become home to India’s first Cyber Command Centre, an initiative aimed at addressing the rising tide of online fraud and digital crime. The facility was established following the Karnataka High Court’s directive to strengthen the state’s cybercrime response. Senior police officer Pranab Mohanty has been appointed as Deputy Inspector General (DIG) to head its operations.
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The Command Centre is designed to centralise all cybercrime-related complaints, ensuring coordinated handling across the state. Bengaluru currently operates 45 cyber police stations, while citizens also report incidents through the national helpline 1930. Under the new framework, every complaint—whether lodged at police stations or via the helpline—will be routed through the Command Centre for registration, investigation, and case management.
Backlog of over 16,000 unresolved cases
One of the state’s biggest challenges has been the backlog of over 16,000 unresolved cases, compounded by regular police staff juggling law and order duties alongside cybercrime probes. The dedicated unit is expected to address this gap by deploying teams with specialised technical expertise in digital investigations, forensic analysis, and coordination with financial institutions.
Authorities anticipate that the new system will not only improve resolution rates but also reduce response times in cases of phishing, identity theft, financial fraud, and social media-related crimes.
With Mohanty leading the initiative, the centre is projected to serve as a model for other states, offering a technology-driven, centralised approach to tackling cybercrime in India.