Shimla: Over the past three years, cyber fraud in Himachal Pradesh has reached alarming levels. A total of 585 cases have been registered across the state, in which criminals have defrauded nearly ₹1.5 billion (₹150 crore). According to official data, 258 accused have been arrested, and around ₹10.25 crore has been recovered. The highest number of cases were reported in Kangra district, which alone accounted for 59 complaints.
During the Question Hour in the state assembly on Saturday, responding to BJP MLA Indradt Lakhnapal’s query, the Chief Minister stated that strict measures are being implemented to curb digital fraud. He added that cybercrime has become a serious challenge in the rapidly evolving digital landscape, and the state government remains vigilant against it.
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To tackle digital fraud, cyber help desks have been established in 146 police stations across the state. Additionally, eight officers have received special training, and 29 more officers are currently undergoing training.
The Chief Minister noted that while 585 cases have been officially registered, many people do not file complaints. District-wise numbers are: Baddi – 58, Solan – 41, Mandi – 30, Kinnaur – 28, Sirmaur – 25, Shimla – 17, Una – 13, Nurpur – 12, Chamba & Kullu – 10 each, Dehra – 8, Hamirpur – 7, Lahaul-Spiti – 4. Bilaspur recorded the lowest with only one case.
Among the three major cybercrime police stations—Mandi, Dharamshala, and Shimla—a total of 262 cases were reported. Mandi cyber police station had 100, while Dharamshala and Shimla recorded 81 cases each. In some instances, collusion or negligence by bank employees also came to light, leading to the arrest of four bank staff members.
In terms of the amount involved, Shimla cyber police station topped the list with a total fraud of ₹55.62 crore. Mandi recorded ₹33.64 crore, and Dharamshala ₹25.92 crore.
Fraud amounts in other districts were: Chamba – ₹12.96 crore, Solan – ₹4.91 crore, Baddi – ₹3.69 crore, Kangra – ₹2.60 crore, Sirmaur – ₹2.30 crore, Mandi – ₹2.28 crore, while Bilaspur had the lowest at ₹14.9 lakh.
District-wise arrests were: Chamba – 15, Kangra – 28, Lahaul-Spiti – 4, Mandi – 2, Solan – 20, Sirmaur – 24, Kinnaur – 19, Baddi – 29, Nurpur – 1, Shimla – 11, Mandi cyber police station – 49, Dharamshala – 55.
Cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh stated, “Cybercriminals are constantly devising new methods. Large-scale fraud is happening through social engineering, fake apps, and phishing links. It is crucial to strengthen police vigilance and digital awareness in the state.”
The Chief Minister informed the assembly that the government is running online awareness campaigns to prevent digital fraud. Banks and financial institutions have also been instructed to exercise extra caution during transactions.
Experts believe the surge in cyber fraud cases is primarily due to the rapid increase in mobile banking and digital transactions. Citizens are advised to verify any unknown links, applications, or calls before trusting them.
With cyber help desks, trained officers, and awareness campaigns, the state government’s initiatives could prove effective in curbing digital fraud. However, experts emphasize that citizen vigilance and banking security measures are equally critical.
