Lucknow: Director General of Police (DGP) Rajeev Krishna cautioned citizens against the rising tide of cybercrime, attributing most cases to “greed, fear, and negligence.” He was addressing a Cyber Awareness Workshop organized at Netaji Subhas Chandra Auditorium, Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut, via video conferencing from the Police Headquarters, Lucknow.
The DGP emphasized that individuals falling prey to online frauds must take three immediate steps — dial 1930, report the crime within the “golden time,” and provide accurate details to authorities. “Most victims of financial frauds act late or hesitate out of fear or shame. Quick reporting is the key to recovering lost money,” he said.
The event was attended by ADG Meerut Zone Bhanu Bhaskar, DIG Kalanidhi Naithani, Acting Vice Chancellor Hare Krishna Ji, SSP Meerut Vipin Tada, and Professor Bindu Sharma, coordinator of Mission Shakti at the university.
Highlighting cybercrime as one of his top ten policing priorities, DGP Krishna said no section of society remains untouched by it. “School children are facing cyberbullying, women suffer cyberstalking, and the educated elite are increasingly falling victim to ‘digital arrest’ scams, losing their life savings,” he warned.
He urged citizens to adopt strong passwords, keep software updated, and promptly report suspicious activity. He also called for coordinated efforts — combining public awareness campaigns, law enforcement training, and technological resilience — to curb the menace effectively.
Discussing the harmful impact of excessive online gaming and social media addiction among youth, the DGP said, “Social media today has become as addictive as a drug. We must stay alert and aware to safeguard our children and society.”
Krishna noted that Uttar Pradesh Police has been working to professionalize cyber help desks at police stations, resulting in the freezing of 24% of cyber fraud-related funds in the past two months alone. The workshop witnessed participation from university students, schoolchildren, and members of various business organizations, all engaging in sessions on cyber hygiene and digital safety.
In another development, the DGP also virtually inaugurated the Vigilance Office Building in Kanpur, which will be constructed on 2,000 square meters of land in Bagdaudhi Kachar village. The upcoming multi-storey building will house modern facilities including offices, visitor rooms, vigilance police stations, record rooms, and a conference hall.
DGP Krishna concluded by reiterating the UP Police’s commitment to cyber safety, digital literacy, and proactive law enforcement, ensuring that citizens are better protected in an increasingly connected world.
