Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday informed the Legislative Assembly that 193 cyber fraud cases related to fake links or APK files under the name of e-challans were registered in 2025, and 36 accused were arrested. The information was shared in response to questions raised by MLAs Prashant Thakur, Sameer Kunawar, and Atul Bhatkhalkar, among others.
He further stated that 120 cases related to illegal online gaming were registered in 2024 and 2025, leading to the arrest of 68 individuals.
Maharashtra Cyber Security Project and Training
The CM highlighted that the state government has implemented the Maharashtra Cyber Security Project, which includes advanced technology, skilled manpower, and resources aimed at protecting citizens—especially women, children, and senior citizens—from cyber fraud.
The project headquarters and Nodal Cyber Police Station at Mahape, Navi Mumbai, oversee 50 District Cyber Labs/Police Stations across the state to investigate technically complex cyber crimes.
With the assistance of 26 expert consultants, 1,000 police officers and staff received online training on forensic tools.
Public Awareness and Social Media Initiatives
Fadnavis said that citizens are being made aware to prevent all types of cybercrime:
- Maharashtra Cyber actively disseminates information about its website and cyber helpline through Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
- Cyber awareness campaigns are also being run at 34 railway stations in the state through Maharail LED/LCD screens.
Central Law on Online Gaming
The CM added that the state government had written to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs on July 2, 2025, seeking a law to regulate online lotteries and gaming. Consequently, the Centre promulgated the ‘Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 20250’, published in the Gazette of India on August 22, 2025.
Objective:
- To strengthen control over cyber fraud related to e-challans and online gaming.
- To ensure faster action on technically complex cases.
About the author – Ayesha Aayat is a law student and contributor covering cybercrime, online frauds, and digital safety concerns. Her writing aims to raise awareness about evolving cyber threats and legal responses.
