Bihar Government Forms Special Operation Cell to Combat Rising Cybercrime

Patna, Sep 20, 2025 In a major step toward strengthening digital security and law enforcement, the Bihar government has announced the creation of a Special Operation Cell within the Economic Offences Unit (EOU) to address the state’s rapidly increasing cybercrime cases. The move comes amid a nationwide surge in cyber-related offenses ranging from online fraud and identity theft to phishing attacks and digital banking scams. Officials confirmed that more than 825 police officers have already undergone specialized training to handle cybercrime investigations. This training included modules on digital forensics, tracking suspicious online transactions, analyzing IP addresses, and handling cases of ransomware and social media fraud. According to the EOU, the cell will function as a dedicated wing focused on detection, prevention, and rapid response to digital crimes. Cybercrime has emerged as a pressing challenge for Bihar in recent years. The state has witnessed a sharp rise in cases of online financial fraud, with thousands of citizens falling victim to deceptive phone calls, fraudulent UPI transactions, and unauthorized money transfers. Rural areas, in particular, have seen an influx of scammers posing as bank officials or government representatives to dupe unsuspecting villagers. The new Special Operation Cell is expected to enhance coordination between district police stations and cybercrime experts at the state level. Each district will have a trained cyber response officer who can immediately escalate cases to the cell if specialized intervention is required. The cell will also maintain direct communication with national-level agencies such as the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C). According to senior officials, one of the priorities will be to target organized cyber fraud networks. Many such groups operate out of other states but exploit Bihar residents using mule bank accounts or fake SIM cards. The EOU has already begun mapping digital hotspots where fraudulent activities are concentrated. By combining field intelligence with digital monitoring, authorities hope to dismantle these networks more effectively. In addition to investigation, the Special Operation Cell will also focus on public awareness campaigns. Citizens will be educated about common cyber fraud methods, including phishing emails, fraudulent QR codes, and fake job postings. Posters, social media campaigns, and village-level awareness drives are being planned to reduce victimization rates. Inspector General (EOU) Nirmal Kumar Singh said that while cybercriminals constantly evolve their methods, law enforcement must stay a step ahead. “The state government is determined to ensure that people of Bihar do not fall prey to digital fraudsters. This new unit will not only act faster but will also be equipped with the latest forensic tools,” Singh stated. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar also praised the initiative, calling it a “timely intervention in an era where crime is shifting from the streets to screens.” He emphasized that just as the police adapted to modern weapons and surveillance systems in the past, the fight against cybercrime requires constant technological upgrades and trained manpower. For ordinary citizens, the announcement has been met with cautious optimism. Many believe that the new cell will provide a much-needed safety net, especially as digital payments and online services continue to expand in the state. With the Special Operation Cell now in place, Bihar is positioning itself to not only respond to cyber threats but also build resilience against future digital challenges.