Bhubaneswar: Over 59,000 people in Odisha have fallen prey to online trading fraud between 2019 and November 2024, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi informed the State Assembly on Monday. The period saw 769 cases reported, with the highest number recorded in 2023 and 2024, affecting 18,994 and 40,270 individuals, respectively.
To address the growing threat, a dedicated cybercrime unit was set up in Bhubaneswar on September 5, 2023, under the Crime Branch. This unit focuses on tackling cyber offenses such as identity theft, phishing, hacking, and online banking fraud. The state has also established 11 new cybercrime police stations and upgraded three existing ones in Berhampur, Rourkela, and Sambalpur to strengthen its response.
Majhi highlighted the role of specialized units, including a cyber help desk, a 1930 call center, and initiatives targeting online abuse and advanced forensic monitoring. Despite these efforts, he noted that the original cyber police station, which oversees fraud cases above ₹25 lakh, operates without a dedicated sanctioned staff.
The Odisha government continues to prioritize cybercrime prevention as incidents of digital fraud rise across the state.
