Recently, a report under the Right to Information (RTI) Act revealed that only 0.8% of the total 1,95,409 cybercrime complaints filed in Maharashtra on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCCRP) from Jan 2022 to May 2023 resulted in First Information Reports (FIRs). The data further shows that only 2% of the 20,99,618 complaints received from all states and Union Territories (UTs) during this period were converted into First Information Reports (FIRs). Concerns have been raised by Cyber Experts and retired police officers.
Mr Nitin Pandey, a renowned cyber expert and trainer who is a lead Cyber Security Specialist at India Child Protection Fund (ICPF) said that “the cybercrime department lacks a sufficient number of inspectors to register cases. Under the Information Technology (IT) Act, only police officers with the rank of inspector or above can investigate cybercrime cases. This shortage of qualified personnel hinders effective investigations and undermines public trust in law enforcement.
Mr. Pandey also suggested that Indian law enforcement officers need reformation and regular professional training to understand newly emerged cybercrimes. They need advanced tools, good infrastructure, and a stress-free atmosphere to tackle cybercrimes and criminals.”
