Odisha Reports 3,486 Cybercrime Cases; ₹222 Crore Lost, Government Launches Cyber Safety Campaign 2025

Odisha Sees Significant Rise in Cybercrime; Government Launches State-wide Cyber Safety Campaign

Bhubaneswar: Over the past 16 months, Odisha has witnessed a notable surge in cybercrime, with 3,486 cases of forgery and digital fraud amounting to ₹222.09 crore, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi informed the State Assembly. This increase underscores the growing challenges of cybersecurity in an increasingly digital world.

According to the Chief Minister’s written statement:

• A total of 727 individuals involved in cyber fraud have been arrested.

• The state recorded 69 digital arrest cases during this period, highlighting proactive enforcement measures.

• Charge-sheets have been filed in 104 cases, demonstrating ongoing legal proceedings.

• Despite the large financial loss, authorities have successfully returned ₹61.36 lakh to victims and seized bank accounts containing ₹6.74 crore.

Analysis of these figures suggests that while law enforcement is actively pursuing cybercriminals, the recovery of lost funds remains limited, highlighting the inherent challenges of tracing and reclaiming money in digital fraud cases.

In a parallel effort to curb cybercrime and raise public awareness, the Odisha government launched the Cyber Safety Campaign–2025 in October, encompassing all 33 police districts. The campaign emphasizes preventive measures to protect citizens from digital threats. Key initiatives include:

• Deployment of 16 ‘Cyber Raths’, which serve as mobile awareness units traveling across both urban and rural areas.

• Over 120 workshops conducted on cyber safety and digital hygiene, aimed at students, professionals, and the general public.

• Engagement of more than 24 lakh citizens through diverse activities, including seminars, street plays, walkathons, cyclothons, workshops, spot quizzes, and public meetings.

The campaign demonstrates a dual approach: combining enforcement against cybercriminals with public education and preventive awareness. By reaching both urban centers and remote areas, the government aims to foster a culture of digital responsibility and safety among citizens.

Challenges remain, however, particularly in terms of financial recovery and the rapidly evolving nature of cybercrime. The gap between total losses and recovered funds highlights the need for stronger mechanisms to trace fraudulent transactions and enhance cybersecurity infrastructure across the state.

The Odisha government’s initiatives reflect a growing recognition that cybercrime is not just a law enforcement issue but also a societal challenge. With continued efforts in both legal action and public education, the state hopes to mitigate risks and empower citizens to navigate the digital landscape safely.

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