Karnataka to appoint DGP-rank officer for cybercrime investigations amid rising cases
Bengaluru: Karnataka is set to become the first Indian state to appoint a Director General of Police (DGP) to oversee cybercrime investigations, Home Minister G Parameshwara announced. The decision follows a proposal submitted by the Karnataka police, which the state government has accepted. This DGP will head the Cyber Economics and Narcotics (CEN) crime wing, which will be separated from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to create a dedicated unit.
The state already has four DGPs overseeing various departments, including the CID, Fire and Emergency Services, and Prisons. This new role will add a fifth DGP position focused exclusively on cybercrime, with an Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) and Inspector General of Police (IGP) supporting the DGP. Additionally, seven Superintendents of Police (SPs) will manage cybercrime investigations across the state's regions.
Cybercrime rates in Karnataka have surged dramatically, with Bengaluru alone losing Rs 1,242.7 crore to cyber-related offences in just the first eight months of this year, surpassing losses recorded over the past three years combined. Bengaluru has also reported 12,356 cybercrimes through August, following 17,633 cases in 2023.
Highlighting the diversity of cybercrimes, Parameshwara noted these go beyond financial fraud to include fake news, harassment, and data theft. He emphasised the need for specialised expertise and senior oversight to tackle such crimes effectively.
The CEN wing's independence aims to enhance coordination among police units, both within Karnataka and with other states, by establishing a dedicated channel for inter-agency communication.
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India to pursue extradition of Khalistani separatist Arsh Dalla with Canada following his arrest
New Delhi, Nov 14: India on Thursday said it will pursue an extradition request with Canada for Arsh Singh Gill alias Arsh Dalla, the de-facto chief of the Khalistan Tiger Force, following his arrest in that country.
Dalla was designated in India as a terrorist in 2023.
In July 2023, India had requested the Canadian government for his provisional arrest.
"In view of the recent arrest, our agencies will be following up on an extradition request," Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.
"Given Arsh Dalla's criminal record in India and his involvement in similar illegal activities in Canada, it is expected that he will be extradited or deported to face justice in India," he added.
Dalla was reportedly arrested by the Canadian Police late last month.
"We have seen media reports circulating since November 10 on the arrest in Canada of proclaimed offender Arsh Singh Gill alias Arsh Dalla, the de-facto chief of the Khalistan Tiger Force," Jaiswal said.
"Canadian print and visual media have widely reported on the arrest. We understand that the Ontario Court has listed the case for hearing," he added.
Jaiswal was replying to media queries regarding the arrest of Dalla.
"Arsh Dalla is a proclaimed offender in over 50 cases of murder, attempt to murder, extortion and terrorist acts, including terror financing. In May 2022, a Red Corner Notice was issued against him," Jaiswal said.
"He was designated in India as an individual terrorist in 2023. In July 2023, the Government of India had requested the Canadian government for his provisional arrest. This was declined," he added.
Jaiswal said India had provided additional information in the case to the Canadian authorities.
"A separate request was also sent to Canada under the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) to verify Arsh Dalla's suspected residential address, his financial transactions to India, moveable/immovable properties, details of mobile numbers etc - all of which were provided to Canadian authorities in January 2023," Jaiswal said.
"In December 2023, the Department of Justice of Canada sought additional information on the case. A reply to these queries was sent in March this year," he added.
Our response to media queries regarding the arrest of a designated terrorist in Canada:https://t.co/c6CasRuteb pic.twitter.com/XfH4S5UzUr
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) November 14, 2024
