Cops need to deal with cyber crimes originating in other countries: Ahir

The threat of cyber crime originating in foreign lands is increasing in the country and the police is required to deal with it, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Hansraj Gangaram Ahir said today.

The minister, addressing a Delhi Police-organised programme on cyber safety and digital awareness for senior citizen, said that the government is coming up with a portal for online registration of cyber crimes, besides focussing on cyber forensics training of police in the country.

"There are hints that cyber crimes in the country that originate in other countries are increasing and the police is required to tackle it," he said.

The Modi government is committed to modernisation of police force in the country and has provided Rs 20,000 crore for the purpose, he added.

Speaking at the event that was participated by hundreds of senior citizens from different police districts in the city, Delhi Police Commissioner Amulya Patnaik said that safe digital modes of payments such as BHIM app should be adopted while remaining watchful to threats of cyber frauds.

Delhi Police has set up a special cyber cell unit at its headquarters and there are district-level cyber units besides those at some police stations to deal with cases of cyber fraud.

The commissioner assured that Delhi Police will help senior citizen to use digital modes of payment and suggested them to approach local police officers in their areas in case of need.

A mobile cyber forensics lab was launched today by the minister and the commissioner of police.

Patnaik said that Delhi Police will send a proposal for two more mobile cyber forensics vans to the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Delhi Police has trained about 18,000 of its investigating officers in dealing with cyber crimes. Sensitisation programmes are also being conducted in schools to aware young students about threats of cyber frauds and other such crimes.