Pimpri Chinchwad Launches New Cyber Police Station, Registers First Case Involving Rs 60 Lakh Share Market Scam
Reported By Varad Bhatkhande
Pimpri Chinchwad, 13th October 2024: Under the Pimpri Chinchwad Police Commissionerate (PCPC), a new Cyber Police Station has been established. Yesterday, the first case was registered at this station, involving a share market scam where the victim was promised a profit of 25-30% but was ultimately defrauded of over Rs 60 lakh. Since this cyber fraud involved a large sum of money, making it a high-profile case, it was automatically transferred to the Cyber Police Station.
Cybercrimes are rapidly increasing in Pimpri Chinchwad. A separate Police Commissionerate was created for Pimpri Chinchwad on 15th August 2018, but there were no plans for a dedicated Cyber Police Station. However, as cybercrime continued to rise, the need for a full-fledged Cyber Police Station became evident. Several Police Commissioners of Pimpri Chinchwad, including the current Commissioner, Vinoy Kumar Choubey, repeatedly advocated for its establishment with the Maharashtra Government.
After several rounds of correspondence with the state government, the Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister of Maharashtra Ajit Pawar finally approved the Cyber Police Station on 10th October. The Police Station is located inside the PCPC building in Premlok Park, Chinchwad. It became operational yesterday, and the first case, filed by a 59-year-old resident of Sangvi, marked its official launch. A case has been registered against Kriti, Ravi Aggarwal (full name and address not known), and seven other unidentified individuals under BNS Sections 318(4) (cheating) and 316(2) (criminal breach of trust), along with relevant sections of the Information Technology Act of 2000.
According to police reports, the complainant was researching stock market information online when they came across an advertisement for share trading with a company called M Stock. After clicking on the ad, the complainant was added to a WhatsApp group, where the accused, Kriti, initiated contact. The accused promised profits of 25-30% by investing through M Stock’s trading platform. The complainant transferred a total of Rs 60.3 lakh into various bank accounts for share trading. However, no profits were received, and the amount was not refunded, leading to the filing of the complaint. Police Inspector Ravikiran Nale, in charge of the new Cyber Police Station, is investigating the case further.
Regarding the opening of the new Cyber Police Station, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Sandeep Doiphode told Punekar News, “Earlier, there was only a cyber cell, so we often struggled with manpower for handling these fraud cases. However, this new police station has adequate manpower with a dedicated Police Inspector in charge. They have distinct powers. Exclusively, the Cyber Police Station will handle high-profile cases within its jurisdiction. Victims can lodge complaints at their nearest police station or directly at the Cyber Police Station. High-profile cases will be automatically transferred to the Cyber Police Station.”
Major Boost for Crime Solving in Pimpri Chinchwad
A dedicated Cyber Police Station became essential in Pimpri Chinchwad due to the increasing volume and complexity of cybercrimes such as hacking and fraud. Unlike a Cyber Cell, a full station offers advanced infrastructure, specialized personnel, and the authority to file FIRs and conduct thorough investigations with technical support. It allows for better coordination with other agencies, handles cross-jurisdictional cases, and enhances public awareness.
This specialized setup ensures a more efficient response and legal action against the growing cyber threats in this rapidly urbanizing area. Previously, the Cyber Cell, with limited manpower, had to investigate such cases alongside regular police stations, making it difficult to manage due to a staff shortage. Police stations within the PCPC jurisdiction also had to commit personnel, which wasn’t an effective solution. With 2 Assistant Police Inspectors, 3 Police Sub-Inspectors, and 45 Police Constables, all headed by a Police Inspector, this Cyber Police Station is anticipated to be a major boost for solving crime, according to the PCPC Administration.
