Cyber Fraud Strikes Chhattisgarh Every 20 Minutes, Over ₹700 Crore Lost in Two Years
As India races towards a digital future, Chhattisgarh is facing a growing cybercrime crisis that reveals the dark side of this transformation. From January 2023 to June 2025, the state reported a staggering 67,389 cyber fraud complaints on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal — averaging one case every 20 minutes.
Fraudsters have stolen approximately ₹791 crore using phishing links, fake mobile applications, scam calls, and various forms of online manipulation. Despite the alarming volume, the state’s ability to tackle the issue remains deeply inadequate.
Ground Reality: Enforcement Lags Behind
Raipur, now seen as the cybercrime hub of Chhattisgarh, registered over 16,000 digital fraud cases. However, only 107 victims — just 0.2% — have received refunds. In bank-related frauds, only three arrests have been made, and seven people have been jailed so far, highlighting a significant enforcement gap.
These statistics were revealed during the latest assembly session in response to questions by BJP MLAs Sunil Soni and Gajendra Yadav. MLA Sunil Soni emphasized the emotional toll of such crimes, noting that some victims were so devastated by their financial losses that they contemplated suicide.
“Cybercrime is no longer just theft — it’s psychological warfare,” Mr. Soni stated, urging for an immediate increase in cyber literacy and protection measures.
Government Response: Progress with Gaps
Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, calling cybercrime a “global challenge.” He outlined the government’s measures, including:
- Cyber police stations in five divisions (with nine more in the pipeline)
- Cyber cells in every police station
- A dedicated cybercrime building established in Raipur
- Recruitment of 129 new cyber personnel
- Launch of a “Cyber Commando” program to train a tech-skilled police force
- Training programs at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Police Academy and C-DAC I4
Still, the numbers speak volumes: out of the 67,389 complaints filed, only 21,195 have been processed so far — exposing the urgent need for stronger implementation, better awareness, and faster redressal.
News Source : Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.
