‘Some victims moving towards suicide’: Cyber criminals stole Rs 107 crore in 18 months, Chhattisgarh Home Minister tells Assembly

By | July 18, 2025
Chhattisgarh cyber fraud ₹107 crore victim in emotional trauma

Raipur, July 18 — Cyber fraud has emerged as a serious crisis in Chhattisgarh. Over the past 18 months, scammers stole ₹107 crore from innocent people. Home Minister Vijay Sharma informed the Legislative Assembly of this alarming trend. Even more concerning, he revealed that some victims became so emotionally distressed, they considered suicide.

This disclosure has raised urgent questions. How can citizens protect themselves? What steps will the government take? And most importantly, how deep is the damage?

Cyber Fraud Is Spreading Fast

Cybercriminals are targeting people from all sections of society. Students, shopkeepers, housewives, and pensioners are falling victim to online scams. These frauds include fake loan apps, phishing links, OTP scams, and digital investment traps.

For instance, many criminals pretend to be bank officials. They gain the victim’s trust through calls or messages. Once trust is built, they trick victims into sharing confidential details. Then they empty the victim’s account within minutes.

How These Scams Work

Most scams follow a predictable pattern. First, fraudsters create urgency. They claim there’s a problem with your account or promise quick money. Then, they send links or ask you to install an app. Once installed, these apps give the scammer access to your phone. That’s all they need to steal your data or money.

Fake loan apps are also a growing threat. They lure people with promises of instant money. But after gaining access to contacts and photos, the app operators start blackmailing users. Many victims face public shame, as edited photos and threats are shared with friends and family.

Mental Health Impact: Victims Left Broken

Financial loss is only part of the damage. Many victims suffer emotional trauma. Some feel so ashamed and helpless that they fall into depression. A few even consider ending their lives.

Home Minister Sharma confirmed that several such tragic cases have surfaced. Psychologists are also raising alarms. Victims often isolate themselves. They blame themselves and fear judgment. This silence makes recovery even harder.

Dr. Shalini Rao, a clinical psychologist in Raipur, said, “People who lose their life savings often feel hopeless. Without proper support, their mental health declines rapidly.”

Police Are Responding, but Challenges Remain

Chhattisgarh Police have received over 4,000 cybercrime complaints in the past year and a half. Officers are working hard to trace the criminals. But most scams come from outside the state. Some are even operated from foreign countries. That makes investigation harder and slower.

A senior police officer explained that fraudsters often use fake IDs, burner phones, and digital wallets. These tools make it difficult to trace the original source. Although some culprits have been caught, the recovery rate is still low.

Government’s Action Plan

To stop this rising threat, the Chhattisgarh government is taking serious steps. It will set up cybercrime units in every district. These units will include trained officers who can investigate online fraud effectively.

In addition, the state plans to launch public awareness campaigns. These campaigns will target schools, colleges, and even senior citizens. Their goal is to teach people how to stay safe online.

The government is also working with banks and telecom providers. This collaboration will help block suspicious accounts and detect fraud early. Moreover, the police force will receive updated technology. New tracking tools and real-time alerts will make it easier to stop scams in progress.

A National Crisis Needs a Unified Response

While Chhattisgarh is struggling with this problem, it’s not alone. Cybercrime is rising across India. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), cases increased by over 20% in 2023. Experts estimate the national loss to be in the thousands of crores.

Cybersecurity specialist Ritesh Tiwari believes India needs a joint strategy. “Fraudsters don’t follow state borders. A gang in one state can easily target victims elsewhere. That’s why we need better cooperation between states and faster information sharing,” he said.

He also suggested faster freezing of fraudulent bank accounts and stricter monitoring of digital wallets.

How to Protect Yourself

While the government improves its systems, citizens must also take precautions. Here are a few ways to avoid falling victim:

  • Don’t share OTPs or passwords with anyone.
  • Don’t install apps from unknown sources.
  • Avoid clicking on suspicious links.
  • Use strong passwords and change them regularly.
  • Report fraud immediately to www.cybercrime.gov.in or call 1930.
  • Check your bank statements frequently.

Final Thoughts: Cybercrime Is Everyone’s Problem

The ₹107 crore lost in Chhattisgarh tells a painful story. Behind every number is a victim — someone who trusted the wrong person, clicked the wrong link, or hoped for help and got scammed instead. These crimes don’t just empty bank accounts. They break people emotionally, mentally, and socially.

We must treat cybercrime as more than a technical issue. It’s a human crisis. The government must act swiftly, but so must we. By staying informed, reporting crimes early, and spreading awareness, we can fight back — together.