Chandigarh, 19 May . Haryana Police’s Cyber Branch has emerged as an inspiring national model in cybercrime control during the period from April 2024 to April 2025. The state has achieved exceptional success in preventing cybercrimes, arresting fraudsters, and ensuring refund of defrauded amounts to victims. Compared to January to April 2024, the total amount defrauded in April 2025 reduced from ₹71.6 crore to ₹35.5 crore. This significant decline either reflects a reduction in high-value cyber frauds or highlights the success of timely action and effective prevention. Remarkable progress has also been made in the field of recovery. While only 19.5% of the amount was recovered in April 2024, this rate increased to 38.2% in April 2025—nearly double.
DGP Haryana: “Policing today also means activeness in cyberspace”
Director General of Police, Haryana, Mr. Shatrujeet Kapur, remarked that this performance by Haryana is not merely about numbers, but represents a proactive mission-mode approach to combating cybercrime. “Our teams acted in time, used technology prudently, and engaged citizens to establish a new culture of cyber safety. Policing today is no longer limited to physical presence. Prevention and recovery in the cyber domain have become the new benchmarks of policing success,” he stated.
– Investigation Expanded and Digital Disruption Strengthened (September 2023 – April 2025)
Between September 2023 and April 2025, Haryana’s cyber investigation system made notable progress. Where earlier only 24% of the defrauded amount could be traced in cases, this figure rose to 64%, reflecting a 2.7-fold or 166% increase—indicative of the cyber unit’s technical proficiency and investigation quality. The average daily arrest rate nearly doubled during this period. There was also a record rise in mobile number blocking and IMEI blacklisting, with increases of 3.5 times and 2 times respectively. Rapid freezing of bank accounts played a vital role in halting fraudulent transactions swiftly.
Swift and Sharp Results in Four Months: January to April 2025
During the four-month period from January to April 2025, Haryana Police achieved impressive outcomes. Recovery rates increased from 18% to 38%. Blocking of mobile numbers surged 6.6 times to 12,482, and IMEI blacklisting rose 9 times to 1,355. Meanwhile, the number of awareness programs increased from 182 to 335, and citizen participation grew from 45,920 to 67,144—a 46% increase. From February to April 2025, the Mule Account Target Team blocked 2,054 multiple-reported bank accounts, holding ₹20.45 crore. Linked to these accounts, 2,009 mobile numbers were also blocked. Additionally, a URL Hunting Team was established in the Cyber Branch to block fake websites and mobile applications used in cyber frauds. Over the past two months, the team has blocked 355 such websites/apps/social media accounts.
– Rise in Arrest Rate: A Testament to Effective Enforcement of Zero Tolerance Policy
Haryana Police’s Zero Tolerance policy against cybercrime yielded direct results as the average daily number of arrests rose from 18 last year to 21 now—an increase of three more offenders being legally apprehended daily, reflecting real ground-level action. In 2023, this rate was just 5%.
– Public Awareness Campaigns Changed the Scenario
Haryana Police has made remarkable efforts in turning cyber safety into a mass movement. In one year, the number of cyber awareness programs rose by 70% and citizen engagement increased by over 50%. Police teams are visiting schools, colleges, panchayats, and institutions to spread awareness about social media and mobile fraud. As a result, people have become more alert and are promptly reporting any suspicious activity to the Cyber Helpline 1930.
‘Strategic Collaboration and Cooperation is the Key to Success’: Mr. Kapur stated that in this era of technology, cybercrime is a major challenge for the country. Haryana Police has not only strengthened its cyber security framework but also implemented structural reforms. Studying the methods used by cybercriminals in detail, strategic measures were devised to prevent such crimes. In September 2023, the number of technically skilled personnel deployed on Cyber Helpline 1930 was increased from 12 to 70. Meetings were held with bank representatives, encouraging them to collaborate with Haryana Police. As a result, 16 nodal officers from 10 major banks are now working together on one platform to prevent cybercrime.
‘Remarkable Work, Outstanding Results’: Due to these efforts by Haryana Police in cybercrime control, the rate of blocked fraud amounts and recovery by cyber police stations, which was only 8.24% in September 2023, has increased to 38.19% in April 2025—highest in the country. Furthermore, if a complainant reports cyber fraud within six hours, up to 70% of the defrauded amount is being blocked—again, the highest in the country. As of September 2023, Haryana was ranked 23rd in the country in terms of blocked fraud amount rate. Today, it stands at the 1st position. In recognition of this achievement and the efficient implementation of Cyber Helpline 1930, Haryana Police was felicitated by the Union Home Minister, Government of India, Mr. Amit Shah, on 10 September 2024.
Haryana’s Digital Edge Against Cybercrime
Haryana Police’s Cyber Branch has proven that with clear leadership, robust technological capacity, and active citizen participation, both prevention of cybercrime and compensation for its losses are achievable. While other states continue to struggle with the challenge of cyber fraud, Haryana is setting a new benchmark for the country with its solid, technology-based, and coordinated efforts. It shows that security is ensured not only through weapons, but also through information, vigilance, and strategy.
