Bengaluru, known as India’s IT capital, is currently facing a pressing issue. The city’s cybercrime helplines are mostly switched off or go unanswered. This is alarming, especially as Bengaluru deals with a significant rise in digital fraud cases. Many are concerned about the effectiveness of law enforcement in tackling the growing threat of online crime.

Overview of the Cybercrime Hotline Situation

A recent report from the Press Trust of India (PTI) highlighted that out of nine hotlines under the Cybercrime Enforcement Network (CEN) in Bengaluru, only two were responsive. These were the South CEN station in Banashankari and the Whitefield CEN station. Other stations, including the crucial East Division hotline, remained unreachable. This particular hotline was flagged for non-functionality after repeated attempts by distressed citizens to get help.

Social activist Dushyant Dubey, who is the founder of the NGO St Brofus’ Army, drew attention to this issue. He posted a video on his social media account on X (formerly known as Twitter). The video documented his frustrating attempts to contact the East Division CEN hotline. Dubey’s awareness of the situation began when a victim of cybercrime was unable to reach the East Division station when they needed help.

Insight Through Right to Information (RTI)

Determined to investigate further, Dubey filed a Right to Information (RTI) query. He sought a list of hotline numbers for the cybercrime department. What he found was disheartening. Many numbers listed were marked as “non-functional” or “unreachable.” Dubey expressed his frustration online, asking, “How can a hotline phone be switched off at 3:51 PM on a working day when citizens need it most?” His post quickly went viral.

Others shared similar stories about their struggles. Many users reported being redirected to the number 9449295760. Unfortunately, this number was also deemed unhelpful and non-responsive.

Lack of Communication from Authorities

Despite tagging Bengaluru City Police officials in his posts, Dubey mentioned there was no response or acknowledgment from the authorities. Further investigations revealed that the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) from the South CEN station confirmed that they received an average of five complaints daily. However, the ACP noted that only cases with financial losses exceeding ₹2 lakh were prioritized. Those with smaller monetary damages were advised to approach their local police stations.

At the Whitefield CEN station, complaints were answered, but the officer on duty could only redirect victims. They advised that individuals visit the station in person for further assistance. This indicates a systemic issue in efficiently handling urgent cybercrime reports.

Unsuccessful Attempts to Contact Key Officials

Moreover, efforts to contact the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) for Cybercrime and Narcotics, Sudheer Kumar Reddy, were unsuccessful. His publicly available phone number went unanswered. As a result, no official statement has been provided regarding the community’s growing concerns over the effectiveness of cybercrime reporting in the city.

Rising Digital Fraud Cases in Bengaluru

Bengaluru’s issues with cybercrime are further exacerbated by the recent surge in digital fraud cases. The Karnataka Home Minister, G Parameshwara, reported that Bengaluru has accounted for nearly three-fourths of all scams in the state. By December 2024, the total amount lost by Karnataka residents to online scams reached ₹109.01 crore. This includes various cases where criminals pose as government officials to extort money from unsuspecting citizens.

In 2024 alone, Bengaluru has registered 480 reported cases of digital fraud. Mysuru and Mangaluru have also faced challenges with fraud, but Bengaluru has been the primary focal point for these scams. This trend showcases that the city’s residents are often the primary targets of cybercriminals.

Ineffective Recovery Efforts

The rising number of digital fraud cases highlights the inefficiencies in the city’s response system. Despite the substantial financial losses incurred by victims, police have managed to recover only a small fraction of the stolen fund—less than 10%. This amounts to ₹9.45 crore.

There is a growing concern not just about underreporting of cases, but also about inefficiencies in managing reported instances. With the hotlines failing to operate effectively, victims of digital fraud struggle to report their losses in real-time. This complicates efforts to recover stolen funds and prevent future scams.

Urgent Need for Reform

The current situation has raised pressing questions about the readiness of local law enforcement to tackle the evolving threat of cybercrime. With online fraud continuing to rise, there is a strong need for improved infrastructure and specialized training for handling cybercrime reports effectively.

Experts are urging a comprehensive review of Bengaluru’s cybercrime helplines. It is crucial for authorities to ensure that these services are operational and responsive to citizens