Kolkata to Get Cybercrime Stations in All 10 Divisions: A Major Leap in Digital Policing

 



Date: June 2025
Location: Kolkata, West Bengal


πŸ›‘️ Kolkata to Host Dedicated Cybercrime Stations Across All Divisions

Kolkata Police has announced a transformative move to establish dedicated cybercrime police stations in all 10 city divisions, marking a significant shift from a centralized digital policing system to a localized, citizen-friendly approach.

Currently, victims of cyber fraud are forced to approach the Lalbazar cybercrime station or navigate bureaucratic complexities via divisional support units. This overhaul ensures victims can now lodge complaints, initiate investigations, and follow up on case progress directly within their local division.


πŸ“Š The Data Driving the Decision

  • Kolkata's only cybercrime station at Lalbazar received 220-222 cases annually in 2021 and 2022, dropping slightly to 162 in 2023.

  • Yet, 498 cases remained unsolved as of mid-2024, reflecting workload pressure and investigative bottlenecks.

  • A surge in fraud methods—from work-from-home scams to crypto investment frauds and SIM swapping—demands faster and more agile responses.


πŸ”Ž What the Officials Say

Manoj Verma, Commissioner of Police:

"We are creating two new positions—Joint CP (Cyber) and Joint CP (Legal)—as part of our broader plan to strengthen cyber policing and reduce case backlogs."

Senior Kolkata Police Officer:

"Victims often face delays lodging FIRs or recovering money due to jurisdiction confusion. With divisional stations, everything happens under one roof."


⚖️ Structural Shift: Centralization to Decentralization

Old System    New System
One cyber station in Lalbazar            10 divisional stations
Divisional units only assisted            Divisions handle full cases
Long turnaround times            Faster FIRs and case resolutions
Limited accessibility                Local, accessible complaint process

The city’s cybercrime architecture is now being restructured to reflect efficiency, transparency, and accessibility.


πŸ“š Training, Manpower & Awareness

  • Manpower Boost: New recruitment and cyber training for officers are planned for each division.

  • Forensics & Legal: Ethical hacker training and evidence-handling protocols are being standardized.

  • Citizen Awareness: Billboards, public announcements, Cyber Sathi programs in schools, and mobile kiosks are educating the public about digital safety.


πŸ”’ Challenges Ahead

Despite the optimism, authorities face several challenges:

  • Phased rollout means some divisions may lag behind.

  • Skilled personnel are in short supply; training will take time.

  • Public trust must be built to encourage proactive reporting.


πŸ“ˆ Multimedia Suggestions

  • Infographic: Map of Kolkata with cyber stations marked in each division.

  • Video: Commissioner Verma explaining the plan + citizen testimonials.

  • Carousel Posts: How to file a cybercrime FIR, common scams to avoid.

  • Timeline Graphic: Rollout schedule, training phases, and impact milestones.


✅ Final Takeaway

This decentralization of cybercrime policing is not just a procedural change—it’s a citizen-first digital safety overhaul. With the rise in cyber threats and the complexity of fraud techniques, localized cybercrime stations will empower Kolkata’s residents to fight back, report quickly, and seek justice in real-time.

Stay alert. Stay aware. Report early.


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