Odisha to Open 20 New Cyber Police Stations to Combat Online Crime
CM Majhi launches Cyber Safety Campaign to combat rising cybercrimes.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced the establishment of 20 new cyber police stations across the state, set to become operational soon. The announcement was made on Saturday, October 18, 2025, during the launch of the Cyber Safety Campaign Odisha-2025 at a grand state-level event held at Kalinga Stadium. Emphasizing the critical role of awareness in fighting cyber threats, Majhi highlighted the state’s commitment to creating a secure digital environment for its citizens.
With India ranking as the second-largest internet user base globally, boasting approximately 82 crore internet users (55% of the population), the reliance on digital systems has skyrocketed. However, this digital boom has also made individuals increasingly vulnerable to cybercrimes, including online fraud, blackmail, and harassment. “As our daily lives become intertwined with digital platforms, the risk of cyber threats grows. Awareness is our most powerful weapon to combat these crimes,” Majhi stated, underscoring the urgency of proactive measures.
To strengthen Odisha’s cyber defense framework, the state government is not only launching new cyber police stations but also upgrading the existing 14 stations to enhance their capabilities. Additionally, the government plans to bolster its workforce by recruiting 1,127 new police personnel and 170 technical experts specialized in cybercrime prevention. A state-level command center under the Crime Branch will also be established, serving as a hub of excellence for coordinating and combating cyber threats across Odisha.
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Majhi praised the state police for their ongoing efforts, noting that timely interventions through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal and the Cyber Helpline 1930 have provided critical assistance to numerous victims. However, he stressed that lack of awareness remains a significant challenge, contributing to the majority of online fraud cases. “While the government is taking comprehensive steps, individuals must stay vigilant. The Cyber Safety Campaign aims to educate and empower the public to navigate the digital world safely,” he added.
Expressing deep concern over the rising cases of online blackmail and harassment, particularly targeting women and girls, the Chief Minister issued a stern directive to the state police to take swift and strict action against perpetrators. He warned that any failure to act promptly would result in consequences for the responsible police officials, signaling a zero-tolerance approach to cybercrime.
As part of the campaign, Majhi launched 16 awareness raths (mobile awareness units), which will travel across all districts except Nuapada for a month, spreading vital information on cyber safety practices. The event also saw the Chief Minister administering a cyber safety pledge to police officials, students, and attendees, fostering a collective commitment to digital security.
The Cyber Safety Campaign Odisha-2025 is a bold initiative to equip citizens with the knowledge and tools to protect themselves in an increasingly digital world. By combining infrastructure upgrades, specialized recruitment, and widespread awareness efforts, Odisha is setting a robust precedent in the fight against cybercrime. As the state gears up to roll out these measures, the message is clear: stay informed, stay cautious, and stay safe online.
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