Maharashtra is now at the forefront of cybercrime prevention with the implementation of advanced systems and technologies, according to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. This commitment to cybersecurity comes amid a concerning surge in cybercrime incidents across India, including Maharashtra.

Rising Cybercrime: A National Concern

India has witnessed a staggering increase in cybercrime in recent years. Data from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) reveals a surge of over 400% in cybercrime incidents between 2021 and 2024. The number of reported cases jumped from 452,429 in 2021 to 2,268,346 in 2024. The first six months of 2025 alone saw 1,247,393 cases, indicating a continued upward trend. Maharashtra has been particularly affected, reporting the highest number of cybercrime cases in 2024 with 303,173 incidents, a 640% increase compared to 2021. In the first half of 2025, Maharashtra reported 1.6 lakh cybercrime cases. Financial fraud, online scams, sextortion, and cyberattacks are among the most common types of cybercrimes. Cybercrimes are also increasingly targeting children, with cases related to child pornography and cyberstalking on the rise.

Maharashtra's Proactive Measures

The Maharashtra government has taken several steps to combat cybercrime, including establishing cyber police stations, launching awareness campaigns, and investing in advanced technology. CM Fadnavis has stressed the importance of a technology-savvy police force to effectively deal with cyber criminals.

Key initiatives include:

• Cybercrime Investigation Capacity Centre: Inaugurated in Navi Mumbai, this ₹837 crore facility serves as a central hub for addressing cybercrime across the state. It houses advanced resources such as a Technology-Assisted Intelligence (TAI) laboratory with AI and machine learning tools for investigating crypto scams, a Security Operations Centre (SOC) for handling large-scale security breaches, and a Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) for rapid response to cyber incidents. A 24/7 helpline (14407) was also launched.
• Maharashtra Cyber Security Project: This project features an AI-backed command center capable of freezing suspicious transactions within 2.5 minutes of a cyber complaint. Since 2019, it has helped freeze over ₹700 crore tied to fraud.
• 'Garuda Drishti': This social media monitoring system combats communal hatred and cybercrimes by tracking offenders and preventing fraudulent activities. It analyzes social media posts, removes offensive content, and helps maintain law and order.
• Cyber Awareness Initiatives: Maharashtra Cyber has launched an artificial intelligence chatbot and a cyber awareness documentary featuring actors Sharad Kelkar and Amisha Patel to educate citizens about online crimes and how to file complaints. The chatbot is linked to the 1945 helpline.
• Financial Intelligence Unit: The Mumbai Police and other police units have formed a Financial Intelligence Unit to gather intelligence on fraudulent financial schemes.
• Cyber Police Stations: There are 50 operational cyber police stations in the state. The government plans to train over 5,000 police officers across five new cyber stations.

Focus on Financial Fraud

Financial fraud has emerged as a major concern in Maharashtra. Between 2016 and 2025, the state registered 46,321 cybercrime cases related to financial fraud, amounting to losses of ₹11,033.97 crore. Mumbai alone accounted for ₹2.95 lakh crore in investor fraud losses over the last decade. CM Fadnavis has emphasized the need to prevent financial scams and has praised initiatives that have led to the recovery of funds for cyber fraud victims. The Nagpur Police, for example, recently returned ₹10 crore to cyber fraud victims. Furthermore, CM Fadnavis has urged banks to expedite the release of frozen funds to victims once they submit a police certificate in cyber fraud cases.

Looking Ahead

While Maharashtra is taking significant steps to combat cybercrime, the evolving nature of these crimes requires continuous innovation and adaptation. CM Fadnavis has acknowledged that preventing cybercrime will be a major challenge in the future. The state government is committed to enhancing its cybersecurity infrastructure, training its police force, and raising awareness among citizens to stay ahead of cyber threats. By integrating advanced technology, proactive policing, and public awareness, Maharashtra aims to create a safe and secure digital environment for its citizens.