Andhra Pradesh Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha.
In a crucial initiative to combat rising cybercrime, Andhra Pradesh Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha, along with various departmental officers, has issued a warning to the public regarding the dangers of cyber fraud and the importance of exercising caution while using mobile phones and applications.
The awareness campaign kicked off with a walkathon in Vijayawada on August 10, 2024, initiated by Ms. Anitha, Police Commissioner S.V. Rajasekhara Babu, local MLAs, and other dignitaries. The event aimed to educate the community about the threats posed by cybercrimes.
Students from various colleges, along with police officers, actively participated in the walkathon, which stretched from Indira Gandhi Municipal Corporation (IGMC) Stadium to Benz Circle. The participants formed a human chain to emphasize the need for vigilance against cyber fraud.
Commissioner H.M. Dhyanchand and DCP Gowthami Sali were noteworthy attendees who joined forces with the initiative.
During her address, Minister Anitha highlighted alarming statistics, stating that cybercrimes have surged by 24%, resulting in a staggering loss of approximately ₹1,730 crore across the country in just the past four months.
“Victims include many officials; therefore, it is imperative for mobile users to stay cautious against online frauds. Be wary of loan apps, money traps, and other cyber threats,” Anitha advised.
In response to the growing concern, Police Commissioner Rajasekhara Babu mentioned the establishment of the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre by the Government of India, aimed at curbing cyber offenses. He also introduced the “Be a Cyber Citizen” app and revealed that around 200 police personnel have been assigned as Cyber commandos, with an additional 2,000 “cyber soldiers” being trained to further raise public awareness about cybercrimes.
The event also saw participation from Deputy Commissioners of Police along with staff from various police divisions, the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation, Revenue, and other relevant departments.
