Himachal Police's statewide cybercrime help desks to empower victims

Taking a decisive step towards tackling the growing menace of cybercrime, the Himachal Pradesh Police has set up dedicated cybercrime help desks in every police station across the state, covering both rural and urban areas. This initiative aims to provide citizens with prompt and accessible support in reporting cyber incidents and seeking timely redressal.

The help desks are directly integrated with the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP), enabling swift measures such as freezing fraudulent transactions and securing crucial digital evidence. By ensuring seamless coordination with specialised investigative agencies, the desks will serve as the first point of contact for victims, offering immediate relief and guidance.

To further strengthen operations, Cyber Nodal Officers have been appointed in all districts to oversee cyber-related matters, while Integrated Cybercrime Extended (IEC) Units have been established in each of the state’s 15 police districts. These units are interconnected through the Himachal Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (HIM4C), creating a statewide response system for faster investigation and action.

DIG (State CID Cyber Crime) Mohit Chawla, who has recently been deputed to the ITBP, emphasized the importance of this initiative. “The decision to establish Cybercrime Help Desks was taken after recognizing the urgent need for immediate assistance to citizens. A target has been set to cover all 138 police stations in the state so that no victim is deprived of support, regardless of location,” he said.

Chawla added that many police stations previously lacked specialized cyber units, causing delays in response and victim support. The new help desks, he stressed, will bridge this gap while building public confidence in cyber policing.

The urgency of such measures is underlined by the alarming rise in cybercrime in Himachal Pradesh, with more than 600 complaints being received daily through the toll-free helpline number 1930. Cases range from online financial fraud, phishing, and ransomware to social media abuse, stalking, and identity theft, scams that have cost residents crores of rupees.

With this citizen-centric initiative, the Himachal Pradesh Police has reaffirmed its commitment to cyber safety, timely justice, and equitable access to protection in the digital age.