Odisha to Set Up 20 New Cybercrime Police Stations, Launches Statewide Awareness Drive

Odisha government to operationalize 20 new cybercrime police stations, modernize existing ones, and launch a statewide cyber security awareness campaign to combat rising online fraud and strengthen digital safety.

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government is set to operationalize 20 new cybercrime police stations across the state as part of its intensified efforts to strengthen cyber security and tackle the growing menace of online fraud. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced the initiative while launching the Cyber Security Awareness Campaign 2025 at Kalinga Stadium.

Alongside the new units, the government will also modernize 14 existing cyber police stations and set up a state-level Command Center under the Crime Branch, envisioned as a Centre of Excellence for cybercrime prevention.

To reinforce manpower, the Chief Minister said that 1,127 new police positions and 170 technical experts will soon be appointed. These measures, he noted, are aimed at enhancing the state’s preparedness against cyber threats and ensuring faster redressal of digital fraud cases.

Launching the awareness campaign, Majhi emphasized the importance of digital safety in today’s connected world. With over 820 million internet users, India is the second-largest internet market globally, but the growing dependence on digital platforms has also made citizens more vulnerable to cybercrimes.

“To prevent such crimes, the government has consistently focused on empowering cyber police, raising awareness, and creating a safe digital environment,” Majhi said. He praised the Odisha Police for extending timely help to thousands of complainants through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal and the 1930 Cyber Helpline.

Highlighting that a majority of cyber frauds stem from public unawareness, the Chief Minister urged citizens to actively participate in the month-long awareness drive. He also voiced concern over rising cases of online blackmail and harassment of women, directing police to take strict action against offenders and warning that any negligence by officials would be dealt with firmly.

During the event, Majhi flagged off 16 awareness vehicles, which will tour all districts, except Nuapada due to the ongoing by-election, to spread cyber safety messages among the public. Government officials, students, and guests at the event took an oath to promote responsible online behavior.

Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja lauded the initiative, stressing the need for cyber awareness across all sectors, while DGP Y.B. Khurania and Crime Branch DG Binayatosh Mishra detailed the state police’s ongoing efforts and achievements in combating cybercrime.