Thane, Maharashtra – Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis sounded the alarm on the growing threat of cybercrime, noting that criminals are currently one step ahead of law enforcement due to their access to sophisticated tools. Speaking at the inauguration of the Maharashtra Cyber Security Project in Navi Mumbai, Fadnavis emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive measures to combat these digital threats. The Maharashtra Cyber Security Project, conceptualized as a dream initiative to protect the state as it embraces rapid digitization, faced setbacks after being shelved in 2019 when the previous government left office.
Now, as Fadnavis returns to the Home Minister role under Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s leadership, efforts to revive the project are underway. “Cyber criminals operate without any moral compass. They exploit the acceleration of our economy and the digital transformation to perpetrate fraud and deceit,” Fadnavis stated. He highlighted the need for timely intervention in online crime, sharing past experiences where misinformation spread on social media had fueled riots before authorities could respond. The Deputy Chief Minister revealed that the newly established Cyber Crime Investigation Cell is set to play a pivotal role in tackling these challenges.
He stressed that as technology evolves, so must the skills of those tasked with managing it. The center aims to train 5,000 individuals annually to ensure a robust response to cyber threats. Fadnavis also announced the launch of a dedicated helpline, 14407, which will begin operations on October 15. The helpline is intended to assist victims and streamline responses to cyber incidents. Drawing attention to the potential vulnerability of citizens, Fadnavis recounted a recent incident involving a senior political leader who was targeted by scammers posing as CBI agents.
“Even seasoned leaders can fall victim to such scams. If they can be deceived, what about the general public?” he questioned, reinforcing the need for heightened awareness and preventive strategies against cyber fraud. As Maharashtra ramps up its fight against cybercrime, the efforts led by Fadnavis aim not only to protect residents but also to position the state as a leader in cybersecurity, setting an example for others to follow.
