have a Cyber Cell?
The prefix ‘Cyber’ typically relates to computer hardware,
software & networks (including internet) and to flow of information
or communication. The world today is experiencing unprecedented
growth in the number of users of computers & of internet.
There exist over 1 billion internet users the world over. India,
with its 55 million users, ranks 4th in the world. The plummeting
prices of PCs/Laptops/Palmtops and availability of cheap, high
speed internet access shall further drive the growth in the number
of computer users. A parallel development has been the telecommunication
revolution with the advent of the mobile phone technology. India
already has over 100 million mobile phone users and the number
is expected to rise further with falling call tariffs and availability
of cheap handsets. The two areas of information flow are getting
integrated over time with internet providing PC-to-PC call facilities
and with mobile phones providing mobile access to internet.
This rapid development in the area of information technology today
poses new challenges for the police department. The use of internet
and computer systems has led to new types of ‘Cyber Crimes’
like malicious emails, fraudulent electronic transfer of money,
misuse of stolen credit cards etc. Similarly, the introduction
of the mobile phone technology has destroyed the competitive edge
that the police department had enjoyed by having the exclusive
right to use wireless communication. Today, the criminal elements
enjoy an equal access to mobile communication. The incidence of
theft/snatching of mobile phones is rising rapidly. The criminals
today, are increasingly using mobile phones for effecting different
kinds of crimes such as making extortion calls, detonating IEDs
etc. There is a need to have a specialized group with the requisite
technical skills to assist and guide the investigative arms in
overcoming challenges posed by recent technological advances in
the sphere of information technology.
What shall the Cyber Cell do?
Cell of Mewat Police has been established as the nodal agency
for providing all possible technical assistance to the different
investigative units in matters pertaining to mobile phone technology
and internet. The cell is rapidly developing expertise in areas
like call monitoring, tracking down of stolen mobile phones etc.
The cell is being equipped with sophisticated hardware. Assistance
from software experts is also being solicited in order to upgrade
the computer skills of Mewat's Cyber Cops.