NEWS –  Karnataka is set to become India’s first state with a DGP-rank officer specifically overseeing cybercrime investigations. This addition enhances Karnataka’s cybercrime management legacy, following its establishment of India’s first cybercrime police station in the early 2000s.

HIGHLIGHTS

Current Structure of Karnataka’s DGP Positions

• Existing DGP Roles:
  • Karnataka currently has four DGP positions:
    • Director General and Inspector General of Police (DG&IGP), the chief of state police.
    • DGPs for Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Fire and Emergency Services, and Prisons and Correctional Services.
  • Addition of Fifth DGP Role:
    • The new DGP position will head the Cyber Economics and Narcotics (CEN) crime wing.
    • Approved by the state government, implementation will commence soon.

Need for a Specialized DGP for Cybercrime

• Surge in Cybercrime:
  • Cybercrime incidents are sharply rising in Karnataka, with substantial financial losses reported.
  • Bengaluru alone recorded a loss of Rs 1,242.7 crore in cyber-related cases within the first eight months of 2023.
• Types of Cybercrime:
  • Includes issues like fake news, harassment, data theft, etc.
  • Requires expertise in modern technology and specialized investigative skills.

Organizational Structure of the CEN Wing

• Leadership Hierarchy:
  • The CEN wing will be led by a DGP, supported by:
    • Additional Director General of Police (ADGP)
    • Inspector General of Police (IGP)
  • Regional Oversight:
    • Seven Superintendents of Police (SPs) will manage investigations across seven police ranges (Northern, Southern, Western, Eastern, Central, Northeastern, and Ballari).

Recent Developments in Cybercrime Management

• Formation of CEN Wing in CID:
  • Earlier this year, Karnataka established a CEN wing within the CID, led by ADGP Pronab Mohanty.
  • Focused on coordinating cybercrime investigations amidst a rising case volume.
• Plans for an Independent CEN Wing:
  • The government now aims to separate CEN from CID, establishing it as an independent unit.
  • All CEN police stations will report directly to the new DGP, ensuring more direct oversight.

Rationale Behind an Independent CEN Wing

• Addressing Evolving Cybercrime Methods:
  • The state’s decision to appoint a DGP for the CEN wing reflects the complexity and rapid evolution of cybercrimes.
• Enhanced Communication and Coordination:
  • A separate wing allows streamlined communication with police departments in other states and agencies, promoting a united cybercrime response.
• Improved Investigation Strategies:
  • An independent CEN wing will help fill existing gaps in cybercrime investigations, aiding in proactive strategies against future cybercrime trends.

Developing a Cybercrime Database and Investigation Techniques

• Cybercrime Database:
  • Police are working on a comprehensive database of cybercrimes, tracking their evolution to refine investigative approaches.
• Innovative Investigation Strategies:
  • By analyzing cybercrime patterns, the CEN wing aims to enhance current investigations and prepare for advanced cyber threats.