Ahmedabad — Gujarat has witnessed a sharp rise in cyber frauds, surpassing almost every other crime category. Yet, official data shows that only about 40% of victims manage to get a First Information Report (FIR) registered — while the majority of lower-value cases are resolved, or stalled, through refund mechanisms rather than criminal investigation.
Under current rules, cases involving fraud below ₹5 lakh are not immediately registered as FIRs. Victims are encouraged to report via the National Cyber Crime Helpline (1930) or the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, where authorities attempt to freeze and refund stolen funds.
If the refund process fails or remains incomplete within a set timeframe, the case is transferred to local police for further investigation. However, cybercrime branches in Gujarat’s major cities and districts handle only high-value cases, leaving smaller frauds often uninvestigated or unresolved.
The Refund System: Relief or Roadblock?
Officials say the system was designed to reduce the police burden and ensure quicker victim refunds. About 60% of reported cases through the national portal prompt some action, and roughly half of those victims recover their money.
But that still leaves nearly 40,000 victims each year in Gujarat who lose their savings without full restitution, despite reporting in time.
“While the refund system helps in speedy resolution, smaller cases risk being ignored — allowing scammers to operate freely,” said a senior cyber law consultant in Gandhinagar.
1.21 Lakh Victims, ₹650 Crore Lost in 2023
According to official data, 1,21,710 people in Gujarat reported cyber fraud in 2023. Of these, only 49,220 complaints were converted into FIRs, despite total losses amounting to ₹650.53 crore.
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Authorities successfully froze ₹156.9 crore, but much of that amount is still awaiting refund clearance. Police officials say the process aims to ensure financial recovery first — yet acknowledge the need for stronger follow-up mechanisms and accountability for unresolved cases.
Experts warn that the lack of criminal deterrence could embolden fraudsters, especially in smaller cities where awareness and enforcement lag behind.
A Call for Reform
Even with ongoing awareness campaigns, cybercrime continues to expand faster than enforcement capacity. Officials and analysts alike are now urging the Home Department to introduce clearer accountability for refund delays and mandatory FIR registration for repeat or high-risk offenders.
“Cybercrime can’t be treated like a bank error — it’s organised theft in a digital disguise,” said a former police superintendent.
