Bhubaneswar, 11 August (H.S.): The Commissionerate Police of Bhubaneswar-Cuttack has launched a public awareness campaign under its Cyber Rakshak initiative, urging citizens to recognise cyber stalking as a serious and punishable offence rather than mistaking it for attention or affection.

As part of the campaign, police have advised citizens to remain vigilant about online harassment and immediately report incidents of cyber stalking. The police have highlighted the dedicated Cyber Crime Helpline 1930, a toll-free number, and the national cybercrime reporting portal cybercrime.gov.in for lodging complaints.

In its advisory, the Commissionerate Police said stalking involves violating an individual's privacy and personal space without consent. Such behaviour can cause fear, anxiety, mental harassment and emotional distress, while also amounting to the misuse of digital technology.

The police urged citizens to maintain responsible online behaviour and respect the privacy and personal boundaries of others. They also advised victims of cyber stalking to report incidents promptly rather than ignoring or tolerating such behaviour.

provisions applicable to cyber-related offences. It noted that Section 66E of the Information Technology Act, 2000, dealing with violation of privacy, provides for imprisonment of up to three years, a fine of up to Rs 2 lakh, or both.

The advisory further stated that offences involving the publication or transmission of obscene material under Section 67 of the IT Act can attract imprisonment of up to three years and a fine of up to Rs 5 lakh for a first conviction. Subsequent offences can invite imprisonment of up to five years and a fine of up to Rs 10 lakh.

More serious offences involving sexually explicit material and child sexual abuse material carry stringent penalties, including imprisonment of up to seven years and substantial fines, depending on the applicable legal provisions.

The Commissionerate Police appealed to citizens to exercise caution while using social media and other digital platforms and to avoid engaging with or encouraging online harassment.

Police stressed that cyber stalking is not an acceptable form of communication or expression and should be reported through the appropriate channels.

Citizens facing cyber stalking or other cyber-related offences can contact the 1930 Cyber Crime Helpline or file a complaint through the national cybercrime reporting portal. The awareness campaign aims to promote safer digital practices and encourage timely reporting of cyber offences.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda