Guardian Minister Nitesh Rane Directs Strict Action Against Online Fraud, Gambling and Illegal Cyber Activities

Sindhudurg Nagari, June 2026 : Guardian Minister Nitesh Rane has directed authorities to place special emphasis on cyber awareness, preventive measures, and effective enforcement to make Sindhudurg district safer, more cyber-aware, and free from cybercrime. He instructed the district police force, cyber police, and related agencies to take strict action against online fraud, gambling, and other illegal cyber activities.

The directions were issued during a review meeting held at Mantralaya to assess the functioning of the Cyber Police Station and the cybercrime prevention efforts of the Sindhudurg District Police. The meeting included a detailed review of measures being implemented to curb online gaming-related offences, matka operations, gambling, and other unlawful cyber activities.

Speaking at the meeting, Rane said that Sindhudurg is among the most literate districts in Maharashtra, making it essential to further strengthen cyber awareness among citizens. He emphasized the need to enhance digital literacy, keep young people away from online fraud and illegal online transactions, and create a strong preventive environment against cybercrime.

The Minister stressed that modern technology, advanced digital tools, and various online investigative portals should be used effectively in cybercrime investigations to solve a greater number of cases. He also directed agencies to identify individuals and networks involved in online gambling, matka operations, and other illegal digital transactions and to initiate appropriate legal action against them.

Rane further instructed officials to launch a comprehensive cyber awareness campaign across the district. He said cyber safety messages should be disseminated widely through schools, colleges, gram panchayats, traders’ associations, and various social organizations.

Special focus should be placed on educating citizens about online scams, cyber fraud, and misuse of social media platforms. He directed authorities to organize a large number of awareness programmes to help people recognize cyber threats and protect themselves from digital fraud.

To reduce the incidence of cybercrime, the Guardian Minister also recommended holding regular review meetings in every taluka to assess local conditions, strengthen coordination among different departments, and implement preventive measures more effectively.

The meeting was attended by District Collector Trupti Dhodmise, Additional Superintendent of Police Naomi Satam, Local Crime Investigation Branch Police Inspector Pravin Kolhe, and other concerned officials.

The Minister reiterated that a combination of public awareness, technological preparedness, and strict enforcement would be essential to protecting citizens from evolving cyber threats and ensuring a safer digital environment across Sindhudurg district.