MAPUSA
In a significant move aimed at improving access to justice for victims of cyber fraud, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Monday announced that all police stations across Goa will now be directed to register cyber crime complaints and forward them to the Cyber Crime Police Station for investigation.
The Chief Minister said he would instruct Director General of Police (DGP) Alok Kumar to ensure uniform implementation of this system across the State.
“Complainants should not be made to run from one place to another to file a cyber crime complaint. Every police station must accept FIRs related to cyber offences and pass them on to the Cyber Cell,” Sawant said in the Assembly.
He also advised the public to remain vigilant and avoid falling for fraudulent calls, urging people not to transfer money without verifying the authenticity of such calls.
Sawant was responding to concerns raised by Curchorem MLA Nilesh Cabral during Zero Hour, who highlighted the growing threat of cyber financial frauds in the State. Cabral cited a recent case from Curchorem where a resident, Bruno Fernandes, lost ₹90,000 after being duped by fraudsters posing as Cyber Crime officials.
“When the victim approached the Curchorem Police Station, he was asked to travel to the Cyber Crime Police Station in Ribandar to file the complaint, which caused unnecessary hardship,” Cabral said.
He pointed out that many victims face similar inconvenience and urged the government to decentralise the complaint registration process.
Cabral also expressed concern over the increasing number of cyber fraud cases, which often involve impersonation of law enforcement officials and digital scams leading to substantial financial losses for unsuspecting citizens.
The Chief Minister’s assurance is expected to streamline the reporting process and make it easier for victims of cyber fraud to seek timely redressal.
