Lucknow,

05 Jan (HS): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath warned residents on

Monday against cyber fraud, emphasizing that there was no legislation in the

nation governing so-called digital arrests. Taking to social media, the CM said

that the state government has considerably reinforced cybercrime prevention

procedures, with cybercrime police stations now operational in all 75

districts.

In

a post on X, he mentioned, “My dear citizens, mobile phones and computers have

made our lives easier and more convenient, but they have also increased the

challenges of cybercrime. Your government is taking several important steps to

prevent this. There is no provision for digital arrest in any law

in the country. Be aware and make those around you aware, especially senior

citizens. Let us work together to build a safe and cybercrime-free Uttar

Pradesh.”

Adityanath

stated that prior to 2017, the state had only two cybercrime police stations,

but specialized cyber units have now been formed throughout all districts, as

well as cyber support centers at each police station. The chief minister warned

people against cyber fraud, particularly those that use false phrases like

digital arrest to scare victims and extort money.

No

legislation contains a provision for 'digital arrest'. Police or other

government agencies do not arrest individuals over video conversations,

WhatsApp, or social media, nor do they demand money, he stated.

Adityanath

also asked people to exercise caution when using social media, saying that

photographs, videos, and location details uploaded publicly are frequently

utilized by thieves to get personal information. He warned residents not to

provide personal information or OTPs with anyone, and victims of cybercrime

should immediately report the incident to the national cyber hotline number

1930.

The

sooner the police are alerted, the better the prospects of recovery, he added,

urging people to raise awareness, particularly among older persons. CM's

request comes amid an increase in cyber fraud and multiple incidents when

people were put under digital arrest by criminals acting as law enforcement

personnel in order to extort money from unsuspecting civilians by threatening

to implicate them in fraudulent cases of money laundering or drug trafficking,

among other things.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi