Bengaluru: In a decisive step to combat the escalating threat of online fraud and cyber offences, the Karnataka Government has launched the country’s first Cyber Crime Command Centre, following a directive from the High Court.
This pioneering initiative will serve as a dedicated hub to investigate, monitor and respond to cybercrimes, including offences on social media platforms, banking systems, online gaming networks and software-related frauds.
The Cyber Command will address a wide spectrum of cyber offences such as ransomware attacks, stalking, online crimes against women and children, sextortion, deepfakes, digital arrests, identity theft, hacking, data breaches, disinformation campaigns and other cyber frauds.
To head this ambitious project, the Government has re-designated senior IPS officer Pronab Mohanty (1994 batch) — currently serving as DGP, Internal Security Division (ISD), Police Computer Wing (PCW), and Cyber Crime & Narcotics (C&N) — as Director General, Cyber Command. The Command Centre will process complaints from across the State, irrespective of where the victim resides or where the offence occurs.
Victims of digital fraud — whether through hacked bank accounts, compromised social media profiles or manipulated software — can now directly file complaints with this specialised unit for swift action.
The Cyber Command has been established using existing infrastructure and manpower, integrating the 43 CEN (Cyber, Economic & Narcotics) Police Stations currently operational across the State.
Complaints can also be lodged at district-level Police stations, with cases being investigated under the direct supervision of the respective Superintendents of Police (SPs).
The Command Centre will function from its headquarters in the CID building on Palace Road, Bengaluru, ensuring real-time monitoring, investigation and prevention of cybercrimes.
Karnataka has been witnessing a surge in cybercrime, ranking among the highest in South India for registered cases. Currently, over 16,000 cyber crime cases remain unresolved, with the number increasing daily.
Four-wing structure
To ensure streamlined and effective operations, the Cyber Command Centre has been divided into four specialised wings:
• Cyber Crime Wing: Registers complaints and carries out investigations.
• Cyber Security Wing: Tracks financial frauds, social media-related crimes and other digital scams.
• IT Intelligence Unit: Locates cybercriminals, gathers data from social media companies, and traces IP addresses.
• Training & Public Awareness Division: Provides technical training to officials while conducting awareness drives for the public and students about cybercrime threats and prevention.
This post was published on September 14, 2025 6:29 pm