AP to Launch ‘Cyber Guard’, Implement Zero FIR System to Tackle Cyber Crimes
Amaravati, May 29 (TNT): Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Friday directed officials to implement a Zero FIR mechanism for cyber crime complaints and fast-track the launch of the proposed “AP Cyber Guard” initiative to strengthen cyber security and prevent financial frauds across the state.
Reviewing the police department’s cyber crime prevention strategy at the State Secretariat, the Chief Minister said complaints received through the proposed Cyber War Room should immediately lead to the registration of a Zero FIR, enabling banks to be alerted within the crucial “golden hour” and helping prevent fraudulent fund transfers.
Naidu stressed the need for stronger coordination between banks, police and financial institutions to combat cyber fraud effectively.
He said cyber patrolling should function on the lines of conventional police patrolling, with a focus on preventing crimes through public awareness and constant vigilance rather than merely responding after offences occur.
Presenting the proposed framework, Director General of Police Harish Kumar Gupta said the AP Cyber Guard initiative would be built on a six-pillar strategy comprising a Cyber War Room, 1930 Call Centre Dashboard, Technology and Artificial Intelligence Integration, Capacity Building, Three-Tier Architecture and Public Awareness Programmes.
A state-level Cyber War Room is being established at Prabhala Tech Park in Mangalagiri and is expected to become operational within the next 30 days, he said.
The facility will house 11 specialised divisions, including Emergency Response, Cyber Threat Intelligence and Analytics, Cyber Security Operations, Cyber Training and Awareness Research, Legal and Policy Compliance, and District Coordination.
The DGP said the government was developing systems to enable police authorities to contact banks within ten minutes of receiving a complaint and freeze funds in suspicious accounts.
He added that discussions were underway with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and leading banks to deploy MuleHunter.AI, an advanced technology platform for cyber fraud detection.
As part of capacity-building measures, around 500 police personnel will receive specialised cyber crime training within a year, while cyber units will be established in all 28 districts along with four regional hubs.
The State also plans to conduct nearly 3,000 cyber awareness programmes annually to educate citizens on emerging online threats and frauds.
Expressing concern over the increasing incidence of so-called “digital arrest” scams, Naidu said even educated individuals were becoming victims of such frauds.
“There is no such thing as a digital arrest. Those making such fraudulent calls must themselves be arrested. Cyber criminals are looting the hard-earned savings of citizens and pushing families into distress,” he said.
The Chief Minister directed police authorities to take stringent action against cyber criminals and ensure that enforcement measures create a strong deterrent against online fraud.
“Cyber criminals must realise that they cannot escape. Police action and investigations should create that level of fear among offenders,” he added.
TNT KM
