Chandigarh, May 20 :

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday exhorted the newly promoted officers of the Punjab Police Service (PPS) to uphold the glorious legacy of the Punjab Police by making the state free from the scourge of drugs.

Interacting with the 18 Deputy Superintendents of Police who have been promoted as Superintendents of Police, the Chief Minister recalled the rich heritage of the Punjab Police in diligently serving the state and its people. He said that, in addition to effectively maintaining law and order in the border state, the Punjab Police has always acted as a second line of defence, protecting the unity, integrity, and sovereignty of the country. Bhagwant Singh Mann noted that the Punjab Police is also credited with eliminating terrorism from the state, and that its service is unparalleled.

The Chief Minister said that the history of the Punjab Police is replete with gallantry, sacrifice, and countless achievements. He emphasized that the officers now promoted by the state government must ensure that this glorious tradition is carried forward. Bhagwant Singh Mann asserted that Punjab is at the forefront of the nation’s battle against drugs, and the police force plays a vital role in this mission.

The Chief Minister added that, in this context, police officers have a significant responsibility in making Punjab a drug-free state. Bhagwant Singh Mann urged the officers to ensure the resounding success of the Yudh Nasheyan De Virudh campaign, stressing that it is the need of the hour to save future generations from the grip of drugs. He expressed confidence that the newly promoted officers will fulfill their duties with the highest level of professional commitment and dedication to public service.

Chandigarh, May 19 – Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini on Monday inaugurated the Rishikulam Wellness Center at the Seva Sadhna evam Gram Vikas Kendra located in Samalkha, Panipat district. On this occasion, he urged citizens to make full use of the facilities available at the center and to incorporate Yoga, Ayurveda, and Naturopathy into their daily lives to promote a healthy lifestyle.

The Chief Minister said that this center is not only a significant step toward rural development but also strengthens our Sanatan traditions and values. On this occasion, he also announced to give Rs. 51 lakh to the institution.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the country today needs two main things, one is secure borders and healthy bodies and this center will raise awareness about health among citizens through its wellness initiatives. He said that the center is also promoting and encouraging farmers to adopt natural farming. He appealed to farmers to avoid the excessive use of chemical pesticides and move toward organic and natural farming.

The Chief Minister highlighted that state-of-the-art Skill Centers are also being run within the Seva Sadhna evam Gram Vikas Kendra, where around 450 youth are receiving skill training and being provided employment opportunities in various sectors. He emphasized that youth play a vital role in building a developed India, and this center is equipping them with the necessary guidance and resources. He also said that every individual associated with the institution bears the responsibility of contributing actively to take the organization to even greater heights.

On this occasion, President, Madhav Jan Seva Nyas, Sh. Pawan Jindal said that this Wellness Center will serve as a cornerstone for those who wish to live a stress-free life. He expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini for inaugurating the center and shared that it would be equipped with all modern amenities.

Speaking to the media after the event, the Chief Minister while responding to a question related to the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, said that Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi had asserted that it was time to erase the very foundation of terrorism and our brave soldiers succeeded in eliminating the terrorist threat within just three hours.

Responding to another question about individuals caught on charges of espionage in the interest of national security, the Chief Minister affirmed that police action is being taken against such individuals and will continue in the future as well.

Education Minister, Sh. Mahipal Dhanda, MLAs Sh. Pramod Vij and Sh. Manmohan Bhadana, BJP State President, Sh. Mohan Lal Kaushik, OSDs to Chief Minister Sh. Virender Singh Badkhalsa, Dr. Raj Nehru, former Vidhan Sabha Speaker,  Sh. Gian Chand Gupta, former Minister Sh. Aseem Goel, and other dignitaries remained present on this occasion.

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.