Take Effective Measures to Prevent Cyber Fraud and Drug-Related Crimes: MoS Dr Pankaj Bhoyar

Review of Police Machinery in Chandrapur District

Chandrapur, July 2026 : With the use of technology increasing rapidly, it is being exploited for both legitimate and criminal purposes, leading to a rise in cybercrimes and cases of money being fraudulently transferred from citizens’ accounts. At the same time, drug trafficking, transportation, sale and consumption remain serious concerns.

Minister of State for Home (Rural) Dr Pankaj Bhoyar directed the police department to pay special attention to both categories of offences and take effective measures to prevent cyber fraud and drug-related crimes.

He was speaking while reviewing the functioning of the police machinery in Chandrapur district at the office of the Superintendent of Police. District Collector Vasumana Pant, Superintendent of Police Ayush Nopani, Additional Superintendent of Police Ishwar Katkade, Sub-Divisional Police Officers, Police Inspectors and other officials were present.

Describing cyber fraud and drug-related offences as serious issues, Dr Bhoyar said technology was increasingly being used to divert citizens’ hard-earned money into fraudulent accounts, causing substantial financial losses and mental distress to victims. Recovering such money is often a major challenge, he said.

He directed the police to undertake extensive public awareness campaigns regarding cyber fraud and educate citizens about precautions to be taken to protect their money and personal information. He also instructed officials to take stringent measures to ensure that drug trafficking, transportation, sale and consumption do not take place in the district.

The Minister said every police station must remain vigilant and ensure that such offences are prevented within its jurisdiction.

Strict Vigilance Along District Borders

Dr Bhoyar pointed out that Chandrapur is both an industrial district and a border district. He therefore directed the police to conduct strict checks at border checkpoints to prevent illegal transportation and slaughter of cattle.

He suggested installing CCTV cameras at checkpoints wherever necessary. Senior police officers should also make surprise visits to these locations to verify whether the teams deployed there are carrying out their duties properly, he said.

He further directed officials to organise workshops for police patils in villages and provide them with guidance regarding their responsibilities and the expectations of the police administration from them.

105 Recovered Mobile Phones Returned

The police have recovered 105 mobile phones reported lost by citizens in different incidents during the past month. The recovered phones were handed back to their owners by Minister of State Dr Pankaj Bhoyar.

Among those who received their recovered mobile phones were Aniket Dumarakar, Prem Kite and Mangesh Fating, among others.

Police Must Maintain Dialogue with Citizens

Dr Bhoyar said the Damini squads play an important role in ensuring the safety of women and young girls. He directed these teams to increase patrolling around bus stations, railway stations and other crowded locations frequented by women so that they feel safe.

He also stressed the need for the police department to strengthen its network of informers. Regular interaction with citizens can help police gather valuable information about activities and incidents in their respective areas, he said.

The Minister further emphasised that effective communication should also be maintained between senior police officers and other police personnel and staff.

SP Presents Review of Police Performance

During the meeting, District Superintendent of Police Ayush Nopani made a detailed presentation covering available manpower, the district’s crime rate, registered offences and the police department’s efforts to reduce the number of accidents and fatalities.

He also provided details of measures undertaken to prevent drug-related crimes, cases registered under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), cattle-related cases, externment cases, cybercrimes, passport verification and issuance of character certificates.

The presentation also covered self-defence training provided to citizens and personnel, as well as awareness campaigns regarding traffic rules and road safety.