Dhanbad: To combat the rising threat of cybercrime, Dhanbad Police and the district administration on Monday launched a five-day district-wide cyber safety awareness campaign aimed at protecting nearly 35 lakh people from online fraud.DC Aditya Ranjan said, “Public awareness was one of the most effective weapons against cybercrime. He stressed the need to educate students and families about emerging forms of digital fraud.”SSP Prabhat Kumar said, “The campaign’s primary objective is to prevent people from falling victim to cyber fraud. Special sessions will be organised in schools and colleges, while “night chaupals” will be held in rural areas to explain new fraud techniques and safety measures. Awareness programmes are also being planned. People will be sensitised about fake links, OTP fraud, online banking scams, digital arrest, social media crimes and other forms of cyber deception.”Prepared on the basis of FIRs registered in the district over the past year, a cyber awareness book explaining 30 common methods used by cybercriminals was unveiled on the occasion. The book, in simple Hindi and English language, uses cartoons and illustrations to make the information understandable, particularly for children and first-time internet users.The administration has also planned special cyber awareness sessions in schools. Under the initiative, govt schools will be encouraged to nominate a ‘Cyber Mitra’ who can help fellow students understand online safety. Students will also be encouraged to share cyber safety tips during morning assemblies. The district administration plans to make the awareness book available to govt and private schools and has sought the education department’s support to take the material to schools across Jharkhand.The campaign will extend from schools and colleges to villages, workplaces and public spaces. Two LED-equipped publicity vehicles were flagged off to travel across different police station areas and screen videos on cyber fraud and preventive measures. Awareness messages will be displayed on hoardings, social media platforms and shared through influencers. Multiplexes will screen cyber safety videos during all shows the next month.The SSP urged victims not to hesitate or feel embarrassed and report cybercrime immediately.Hundreds of students and teachers from institutions across the district participated in the launch. Students pledged to spread awareness among their families, friends, neighbours and communities, reinforcing the police’s message that cyber safety requires collective vigilance.The campaign reflects the police department’s efforts in tackling cybercrime. The Ministry of Home Affairs’ Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) team recently honoured Dhanbad Police with a national “Excellence Award” for its work in the field.
