Team Herald
PANJIM: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant inaugurated the dedicated Cyber Helpline Centre (1930) and an AI and Machine Learning (AI-ML) Lab in Goa. He also launched the Quick Pass Mobile app for the Goa Police and introduced the Cyber Yodha initiative, aimed at empowering citizens to secure cyberspace.
The Cyber Helpline Centre (1930) will be operated by a specialised team within the Cyber Cell, with the goal of handling complaints efficiently and streamlining post-complaint procedures. The AI-ML lab has been designed to address modern policing challenges using cutting-edge technology. The QuickPass app is a mobile application that generates QR codes for individuals intercepted by traffic police, aiming to prevent repeated checks for commuters. The Cyber Yodha initiative seeks to raise community awareness about cyber security through trained volunteers. Approximately 120 Cyber Yodhas from 12 colleges and NGOs have already been trained.
Chief Minister Sawant congratulated the Goa Police and acknowledged that cybercrime is one of the fastest-growing threats. “I urge people to stay aware of these threats and report any instances of fraud or attempted fraud immediately,” he said.
He also praised the efforts of the Cyber Cell, adding, “Our Cyber Yodhas will instil the courage needed to counter cyber fraudsters. Goa is setting an example in the field of cyber safety, and apps like Quick Pass, the first of its kind in India, will streamline the traffic check process and reduce harassment for both tourists and locals.”
Director General of Police (DGP) Alok Kumar reported that Rs 101 crore were defrauded from victims in 2024, averaging nearly Rs 9 crore per month. “Our goal is to reduce this by 30 to 40 per cent,”* he said. “The Cyber Cell received 1,788 complaints in 2023, which increased to 2,847 in 2024. This doesn’t necessarily mean frauds have increased, but rather that more people are now reporting frauds.”
Superintendent of Police (SP) Cyber Crime Rahul Gupta explained the rollout of the Cyber Yodha initiative, stating, “The role of the Cyber Yodhas is to create awareness among the general public. Every police station’s cyber team and beat staff will be assigned Cyber Yodhas to raise awareness at any gathering. They will also receive certificates and monetary rewards or incentives for helping to report and detect 500 cases.”