Odisha Govt Approves 20 New Cyber Crime Police Stations to Strengthen Digital Security

Bhubaneswar: In a landmark step to combat the escalating threat of cyber crimes, the Odisha government has sanctioned the establishment of 20 new cyber crime and economic offence police stations across the state. This major announcement was made by Director General of Police (DGP) Yogesh Bahadur Khurania during a state-level workshop on “Cyber Crime Investigation and Cyber Intelligence” held at the Cyber Complex in Bhubaneswar on Monday.

These newly approved police stations aim to serve as specialized units for tackling digital crimes such as online fraud, identity theft, financial scams, and cyber exploitation. DGP Khurania expressed confidence that the enhanced infrastructure will significantly improve Odisha Police’s ability to detect, prevent, and respond to emerging cyber threats.

Adding to this initiative, the DGP also revealed that the Odisha government has given a green signal for the creation of the Odisha Cyber Command Center in Bhubaneswar. The proposed center will function as a centralized hub for intelligence collection, offender tracking, and rapid response to cybercrime victims.

“This center will be a cornerstone in our fight against invisible criminals and a vital component in upgrading our state’s cyber defence architecture,” DGP Khurania remarked.

The workshop, organized under the aegis of the State Crime Branch, marked the beginning of a wider effort to build cyber investigation capabilities throughout the police force. Similar workshops will soon be held at the range and district levels, ensuring participation from constables to senior officials, with an aim to standardize training and investigative practices across Odisha.

Addressing the officers, DGP Khurania emphasized the importance of continual skill enhancement in light of evolving digital threats. “Technology is advancing rapidly, and our police force must stay ahead to protect citizens from increasingly sophisticated cyber crimes,” he noted.

Odisha has witnessed a rise in incidents such as online investment frauds, digital arrests, and financial exploitation. In response, the state police have been conducting extensive awareness campaigns and bolstering their technical expertise to counter these challenges.

Cyber security expert Dr. Rakshit Tandon led the training sessions at the event, which was attended by officers from various districts. The program began with a welcome address by DGP (CID, CB) Vinaytosh Mishra. The workshop was organized by IG Dr. Sarthak Sarangi, while DIG (STF) Pinak Mishra concluded the event with a vote of thanks.

Concluding the event, DGP Khurania called upon all officers to apply their training in the field and reaffirmed the department’s commitment to ensuring the digital safety of every citizen in Odisha.