Dharwad: SP-Rank Officers to Lead Cybercrime Stations Across Karnataka

Dharwad: To tackle the rising incidents of cybercrime, the Karnataka government plans to appoint SP-rank officers at the existing CEN stations (Cyber, Economic, and Narcotics stations), Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara announced today.

Speaking to reporters after visiting various departments and laboratories of the National Forensic Science University, Parameshwara stated that cybercrimes are escalating across states, nations, and even globally without any barriers. In this context, police personnel and officers will be trained according to modern investigation techniques, and all cybercrimes will be investigated under the new laws, he said.

There are currently 43 CEN police stations across the state, each headed by a DYSP. In the future, SP-rank officers will be appointed, and specialized training will be provided to personnel at CEN stations. The forensic science institutions will play a crucial role in enhancing the capacity of the state’s police department, he noted.

Criminal methods are evolving rapidly, and so are the techniques of investigation. Just as specialized training is provided to intelligence units, similar training will be given to CEN station personnel, he added.

Cybercrimes are becoming a global issue without borders. A Cyber University has been set up in Gujarat, where participants from various countries are undergoing training. As part of this initiative, a Forensic Science University has been established in Dharwad, which will significantly benefit the state’s police department with modern forensic techniques.

War Against Drugs: The state government has declared a war against drugs, with the Chief Minister himself setting up a special task force in Vidhana Soudha. In the past year, drugs worth ₹150 crore have been seized, and significant preventive measures have been taken. Detecting hydro ganja cultivation, which is often grown in hidden rooms, is challenging, he said. Numerous awareness programs have been conducted, and special attention has been placed on African nationals living in Bengaluru, where around 10,000 foreigners reside. Over the past year, hundreds of students involved in drug activities have been deported to their respective countries, he mentioned.

Later, addressing the students of the Forensic Science University, the Minister said there are vast opportunities ahead for students in areas like cyber forensics, cyber commandos, and cyber experts. The Forensic Science University plays a significant role in preparing experts in these fields.

He further stated that with the right tools and expert assistance, it is essential to analyze criminal activities and behaviors in advance. The reports and evidence provided by cyber experts will play a crucial role in dealing with cases under India’s three new laws.

Courses such as digital forensics, drug forensics, biochemical forensics, cyber security, and environmental forensics are taught at the Forensic Science University, according to Dr. Manjunath Ghate, the institution’s director.

The Minister also inspected the laboratories and demonstrations. MLAs Prasad Abbayya and N.H. Konaraddi, Belagavi division IGP Vikas Kumar, and Police Commissioner N. Shashikumar were present during the visit.