Cybercrime crackdown: Karnataka restructures CEN stations under new Cyber Command

Bengaluru/Chikkaballapur/Davanagere: In response to the growing number of cybercrime cases reported across the state, the Karnataka government has approved the creation of a dedicated Cyber Command Unit under the police department. This unit aims to strengthen efforts to detect, prevent, and respond to cyber threats more efficiently.

The newly established Cyber Command will operate under the Crime Investigation Department (CID) but with a distinct administrative identity. The post of Director General for Narcotics and Cyber Crime has now been bifurcated, and a new post titled DG, Cyber Command has been created. The police department has been directed to utilise existing posts, offices, and infrastructure for the new unit’s operations.

CEN stations restructured under Cyber Command

As part of this restructuring, all existing CEN (Cyber, Economic and Narcotics) police stations in Karnataka — currently numbering 43 — have been reassigned to report to the Cyber Command for cases specifically related to cybercrime. The Narcotics and Cyber divisions of the CID have also been separated for this purpose.

To ensure effective coordination and intelligence sharing, the government has ordered that the DG of Cyber Command will now represent the CID in the multi-departmental coordination committee formed to monitor fake news and anti-social online activities.

No new posts sanctioned

The Director General and Inspector General of Police (DG & IGP) had recommended the creation of 193 new posts for the functioning of the Cyber Command. However, the government has chosen to proceed without creating new positions. Instead, existing manpower from the Narcotics and Cyber divisions will be repurposed for the unit’s activities.

Rs 5 crore sanctioned for new unit

Although a proposal was submitted seeking Rs 75 crore in funding, the government has currently sanctioned Rs 5 crore for the initial operations of the Cyber Command. The DG of Cyber Command will report directly to the Additional Chief Secretary of the Home Department, sources said.

Over 52,000 cybercrime cases in 4 years

Cybercrime in Karnataka has seen a sharp increase in recent years, surpassing traditional crimes such as robbery and theft. More than 52,000 cybercrime cases have been registered across the state in the last four to five years. In metropolitan areas, nearly 20% of all reported crimes are cyber-related.

The establishment of the Cyber Command is expected to enhance the state’s ability to respond to online criminal activities, improve coordination between departments, and facilitate the early identification and arrest of cybercriminals.