World-Class Cybercrime Prevention Mechanisms and Technology Now in Maharashtra – CM Devendra Fadnavis

“Do Not Fall for Any Temptations on Social Media!” – CM Fadnavis’ Appeal to Citizens
₹10 Crore Returned to Victims Using ‘Garud Drishti’ Social Media Monitoring & Cyber Intelligence Tools
Presentation on ‘Garud Drishti’ AI Tools

Nagpur, Aug 2025 : We have seen how certain antisocial elements incite communal hatred through social media, leading to riots. Now, Maharashtra has access to some of the best mechanisms and technologies in the world to curb such crimes. The ‘Garud Drishti’ tool is playing a key role in tracking down such individuals and ensuring immediate action against them, said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

He was speaking at the Police Headquarters during a presentation on the ‘Garud Drishti’ Social Media Monitoring and Cyber Intelligence project, and at a ceremony where ₹10 crore recovered from various cyber and financial crimes was returned to victims. The CM personally handed over the recovered amounts to the affected citizens. Present on the occasion were Commissioner of Police Ravindra Kumar Singhal, Joint Commissioner of Police Navinchandra Reddy, Additional Commissioners of Police Vasant Pardeshi, Rajendra Dabhade, Shivaji Rathod, and senior police officials.

Fadnavis noted that while social media is a great platform for expressing one’s views, it is also being misused by antisocial elements to spread hate, issue threats, post hate speech, circulate fake news, and even facilitate drug trafficking. Most financial frauds on these platforms are operated from abroad, so people must be vigilant. He warned that any offer received on mobile phones could be a trap for financial fraud. If a citizen realizes they have been defrauded, they should immediately contact helpline numbers 1930 or 1945.

To prevent fraud through social media, the ‘Garud Drishti’ system was developed. This tool can detect and track criminal activities on such platforms, and its reach and capabilities will be expanded in the future, he added.

The CM congratulated those who received their recovered money today. Commissioner Ravindra Kumar Singhal gave the opening remarks, Deputy Commissioner Lohit Matani made a presentation on ‘Garud Drishti’ before the program, and Joint Commissioner Navinchandra Reddy delivered the vote of thanks.

Examples of amounts returned to victims after investigation:

• Rohit Agarwal – ₹73 lakh
• Shashikant Narayan Parande – ₹34,77,724
• Devidas Parkhi – ₹35,15,842
• Vijay Prakash Pathak – ₹19,90,354
• Vijay Menghani – ₹19 lakh
• Devendra Kharate – ₹12,81,000
• Mrs. Rajmani Ajay Joshi – ₹29,95,000
• Rahul Chawda – ₹15 lakh
• Budhpal Bagde – ₹10 lakh
• Aditya Goyanka – ₹26,20,556
• Sangeeta Ashtankar – ₹8,24,000
  (Representative list of names)

Features & Successes of ‘Garud Drishti’:

• Social Media Monitoring: Since its launch, over 30,000 posts on social media have been reviewed.
• Action on Offensive Content: 650 objectionable posts have been flagged and removed from their respective platforms.
• Law & Order Control: The tool has been effectively used to prevent tensions and law-and-order issues arising from rumors, hate speech, and controversial posts on social media.
• Low-Cost Local Innovation: Developed at minimal cost through the Cyber Hack 2025 competition, with intellectual property rights held by Nagpur Police.
• Multi-Purpose Capability: Useful not only for crime prevention but also for analyzing social media trends, detecting suspicious accounts, and enabling rapid action.