Infosys arm to build cybercrime probe centre in Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Oct 3: Global software major's philanthropic arm Infosys Foundation on Wednesday said it would build the Centre for Cybercrime Investigation Training and Research (CCITR) in Bengaluru for the Karnataka Police.
"The centre aims to train police, prosecution, judiciary and other departments in handling technology investigations and create standard operating procedures in cybercrime investigations," said the city-based Infosys Foundation in a statement.
The Foundation has signed an agreement with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the state police and the IT industry body Nasscom-owned Data Security Council of India (DSCI) to set up the centre.
Through hacking, online harassment, unwarranted surveillance, frauds, copyright infringement and other means, cybercrime not only hurts individuals, but is a threat to nations, causing billions of dollars of damage to the global economy.
The facility will be used to perform research in digital forensics and cybercrime investigation to improve the prosecution of cybercrime cases investigation by Karnataka Police, the statement added.
The Foundation said it will bear the costs incurred in setting up, operation and maintenance of the technological infrastructure at the centre and will provide the investment for hardware, software and capital required for holding training programmes.
The cost involved in setting up of the centre, however, has not been specified.
"We will also support the upgradation of the existing cyber lab for a period of five years along with technological infrastructure by providing specialised tools and incurring licensing costs," it added.
The centre will be a project for both present and the future, said Infosys Foundation Chairperson Sudha Murty in the statement.
"We aim to build state-of-the-art facilities to tackle cyber and forensic crimes in Karnataka. Once operational, the centre will be a milestone to curb misuse and unethical use of technology to create distress for fellow beings," said Murty.
With cybercrime said to become one of the largest organised crimes in the near future, law enforcement agencies need to be equipped with the hardware, software and expertise to face the challenges ahead, Karnataka CID Director General of Police Praveen Sood said.
"Cyberspace has turned out to be the world's largest ungoverned space demolishing all geographical boundaries. The centre will improve the investigation and prosecution of cybercrime," added Sood.
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Mamata alleges EC playing 'nice game' for BJP, questions transfer of officers ahead of Eid
Kolkata (PTI): West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the EC, alleging that senior administrative and police officers were being transferred ahead of the assembly polls at the behest of the BJP.
She warned that the poll body and the saffron party would be responsible if any untoward incident happens in the state.
Addressing reporters while announcing the Trinamool Congress candidate list for the 2026 assembly elections, Banerjee questioned the timing of the changes in key administrative posts, particularly ahead of Eid.
"Why are senior officers being transferred just before Eid? Are there plans to trigger riots before elections?" she said.
The chief minister alleged that the list of officers who were transferred was prepared at the BJP's office and the decision was merely implemented by the Election Commission.
She further alleged that some officials from outside West Bengal had been brought in to assist the BJP in the electoral process.
"They have brought in some people from outside the state to help the BJP," she said.
Accusing the poll panel of acting under political pressure, the TMC supremo said the EC was "playing a nice game on behalf of the BJP".
"They should directly campaign for the BJP," she said.
Banerjee also alleged that the transfers were aimed at facilitating the movement of money and arms for the BJP ahead of the polls.
"The officers have been replaced so that money and arms are smoothly transferred to the BJP without any hindrance," she claimed.
Warning of consequences if any incident occurs during the election period, Banerjee said both the BJP and the Election Commission would have to answer for it.
"If something untoward happens, the BJP and the EC will be responsible. If something goes wrong, then they should be answerable," she said.
The TMC chief also attacked the BJP over its political campaign in the state and accused the party of using central agencies against her government.
After the poll dates were announced on Sunday, the EC transferred Chief Secretary Nandini Chakravorty and Home Secretary Jagdish Prasad Meena. It subsequently removed DGP Peeyush Pandey and Kolkata CP Supratim Sarkar.
The elections to the 294-member West Bengal assembly will be held in two phases, on April 23 and 29. Votes will be counted on May 4.
