Kolkata: West Bengal has witnessed a steady decline in cyber crimes over the last three years. This bucks the national trend where cybercrimes are increasing annually.
According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), 513 cyber crimes were registered in the state in 2021. The number decreased to 401 in 2022 and further dropped to 309 in 2023.
The national figures, on the contrary, rose from 52,430 in 2021 to 64,907 in 2023 and 85,603 in 2023.
The 513 cases registered in 2022 accounted for less than one per cent of the total cases in India that year (86,420). In contrast, Karnataka (21,889) and Telangana (18,236) reported far higher numbers.
The data also showed low counts for critical fraud-related offences. In 2021, there were only 61 cases registered under the IT Act 2000. This was less than smaller states like Assam (847) and Goa (75).
There were only five cases of Identity Theft (Section 66C) and one case of Tampering with Computer Source Documents (Section 65), much less than most other states.
The state has shown higher prosecution efficiency. The charge sheet rate for cyber crimes stands at 80.7 per cent, significantly higher than most states. Even the first conviction in a digital arrest was in Bengal.
The state now has 34 Cyber Crime Police Stations functioning under respective Police Commissioners or Superintendents. There is one Cyber PS under CID for areas outside Kolkata.
These 34 Police stations come under the West Bengal Cyber Crime Wing. Even specialised bodies like Cyber Patrol Cell and Cyber Crime Cell, along with associated labs, come under this wing.
The state has created 188 positions, including both permanent and IT specialist roles, to centralise cyber policing capabilities. Each Police district in West Bengal has at least one Cyber Crime Police station.
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