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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International Criminal Court issues arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Hamas officials
The Hague, Nov 21: The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants on Thursday for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his former defence minister and Hamas officials, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity over the war in Gaza and the October 2023 attacks that triggered Israel's offensive in the Palestinian territory.
The decision turns Netanyahu and the others into internationally wanted suspects and is likely to further isolate them and complicate efforts to negotiate a cease-fire to end the 13-month conflict. But its practical implications could be limited since Israel and its major ally, the United States, are not members of the court and several of the Hamas officials have been subsequently killed in the conflict.
Netanyahu and other Israeli leaders have condemned ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan's request for warrants as disgraceful and antisemitic. US President Joe Biden also blasted the prosecutor and expressed support for Israel's right to defend itself against Hamas. Hamas also slammed the request.
