Haryana Police launch cyber fraud crackdown: Over 1,000 objectionable links reported, 583 removed

“Objectionable, anti-national, anti-religion, and misleading content inciting tension and confusion was being frequently posted on social media, making a well-coordinated action necessary. With this objective, the Cyber Haryana team started continuous monitoring of social media platforms about a month ago, and the drive is still ongoing,” the spokesperson said.

On a daily basis, the cyber police team identifies posts, videos, links, and profiles that contain misinformation, provocative language, or material disturbing public peace, the police said. As soon as such content is detected, a notice is issued to the social media platform concerned under Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act, directing immediate removal. No leniency is being shown at any stage of this process, an officer said.

‘Intensive action against fraudulent apps soon’

Haryana DGP Ajay Singhal stated that “in view of the rising cases of digital fraud, Haryana Police has initiated another significant campaign. To control the growing operations of suspicious trading and investment apps and channels across the country, Cyber Haryana launched a special and well-organized drive on January 12. To date, 28 such apps and channels have been identified under this initiative. Out of these, 14 have already been successfully removed from digital platforms, while the remaining 14 are undergoing final review and takedown procedures by social media intermediaries. In the coming days, even more intensive and effective action will be taken against such fraudulent apps to ensure a secure digital environment”.

“Social media influences youth and every segment of society, and even a single misleading or provocative post can pose a direct threat to harmony and peace. Cyber Haryana teams are constantly alert, and immediate action is being taken on sensitive or objectionable posts,” said DGP Ajay Singhal, while appealing to citizens not to click on any suspicious links and to avoid sharing sensitive content in any new app without verification.

“If anyone comes across a suspicious post, link, or app, they must report it immediately to the police or the cyber helpline so that timely action can be taken,” he said.

Explaining the objective of this ongoing crackdown, ADGP (Cyber) Shibash Kabiraj said, “The main aim of the campaign is to create a safe, aware, and reliable digital environment so that social media can be used responsibly. Social media is a powerful platform that, when used responsibly, can help connect the community, disseminate information, and bring positive change. With this approach, the police encourage citizens to stay alert, share verified information, and avoid forwarding suspicious or misleading content. The police believe that with public cooperation and awareness, this campaign will become even more impactful, helping everyone collectively build a safe and healthy digital ecosystem”.

Caution sounded against fake trading apps

Expressing serious concern over the rising cases of fraudulent investment and trading apps, DGP Singhal urged citizens to remain vigilant.

He said, “Cybercriminals lure people by promising high returns in a short time, trapping them in their schemes, and many end up losing their hard-earned life savings. I appeal to the public not to transfer money through any suspicious app, link, or website, and to thoroughly verify the authenticity of any investment platform before making financial decisions. I also request that people stay alert and also make those around them aware to prevent cyber fraud”.

In case of any cyber fraud, he said, the victims should immediately call the Cyber Helpline 1930 or file a complaint on www.cybercrime.gov.in, so that the fraudulently transferred amount can be blocked in time and swift action can be taken against the offenders.