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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Severe blood shortage in Dakshina Kannada district blood banks
For the first time, blood collection at Wenlock Hospital drops to double digits
Mangaluru: Hospitals in Dakshina Kannada district are facing a severe shortage of blood in their blood banks, creating a challenging situation for both patients and healthcare providers.
Over the past 15 days, the shortage has worsened, making it difficult for patients in need of regular dialysis or those suffering from heavy blood loss due to accidents to get timely treatment. Relatives of patients have reportedly been struggling to arrange for blood.
The summer holidays in schools and colleges, coupled with ongoing exams, have led to a sharp decline in voluntary blood donations, particularly from students. As a result, blood donation camps are currently not being organized, further aggravating the crisis.
In response, blood banks across the district have begun awareness campaigns to address the shortfall. Wenlock District Hospital, which usually maintains higher reserves than other facilities, is also experiencing a drop in blood collection for the first time.
During the COVID-19 lockdown, while donation drives were reduced, Wenlock Hospital managed to avoid a crisis. However, officials now confirm that this is the first time such a severe shortage has hit the facility.
There are 13 blood banks in the district, and all are currently facing shortages. Some banks follow a return policy, where recipients must replenish the blood they receive. At the Red Cross blood bank, blood is available upon payment of a fixed fee, and even there, the shortage is now apparent.
Wenlock Hospital, which typically collects around 300 units of blood, has seen its reserves fall drastically to just 90 units, the first time it has dropped to double digits.
Noticing the crisis, blood donor Siddique from Manjeshwar and his team stepped in to support the cause. On Sunday, they provided 20 units of blood to Wenlock Hospital’s blood bank, confirmed Dr. Sharath Kumar, the hospital’s blood bank officer.
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