Govt of Odisha Launches Helpline Number ‘1930’ to Check Cybercrime

Bhubaneswar: Odisha government has launched a special helpline number ‘1930’ for victims of cybercrime in the state. It aims to curb cybercrime too and the drive will be intensified in the coming days, said Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mahapatra.

The number was launched in view of rising cases of cybercrime related to finance and sex abuse on women and children. Chief Secy Mahapatra said awareness campaigns will be organised for the purpose. Any unlawful act where a computer, communication device or computer network is used to commit or facilitate crime must be checked, he added.

According to reports, 34 awareness-creating vehicles named ‘Sachetanata Rath’ equipped with audio and visual materials will be pressed into service in the state.

“People will be made aware to verify the authenticity before carrying out a financial transaction, avoid friendships with unknown persons and avoid clicking on links, SMSs and Apps received from suspicious sources. As a part of the drive against cybercrime, symposiums and seminars will be conducted on a regular basis across the state. Quiz, debates and essay competitions are to be organised at the school level. Odisha is the first state in the country in launching anti-cybercrime campaigns,” Chief Secretary said.

Notably, 52,975 cybercrime cases were registered in the country in 2021. In 2019 and 2020, 1485 and 1931 cybercrime cases were registered in Odisha respectively.