New cybercrime helpline launched in collaboration with Maharashtra cyber cell

Vivek Phansalkar, Commissioner of Police, Mumbai; B K Singh, Director-General, Maharashtra State Security Corporation; Brijesh Singh, principal secretary to the chief minister; Neeti Goyal, founder of What Now; and Nivedita Shreyansh, co- founder of What Now were among those present at the event held at the Yashwantrao Chavan Pratishthan Hall.

Saunik said the system for preventing and solving the cases of cyber crimes in Maharashtra was being strengthened, adding that a cybersecurity centre was being erected at Mahapay.

Saunik said the police also have a cybercrime helpline, 1930. If cheated during an online transaction, people should complain on the helpline and lodge a complaint at respective police stations, she added.

She exuded confidence that the What Now movement, started with the assistance of the Maharashtra cyber cell, will be helpful for strengthening cybersecurity.

What Now founders Neeti Goyal and co-founder Nivedita Shreyansh talked about the objectives of the initiative, “started by the youth and for the youth”, which they said would prove helpful to cybercrime victims. A large number of students were also present at the event.

Phansalkar appealed to the youth to be alert while using social media and asked them not to respond to unknown calls and friend requests from unknown people. He suggested they give information to the parents in the event of being cheated online. He also appealed to the youth to file police complaints.

Phansalkar also urged the youth to raise awareness about cybersecurity and said that Mumbai Police will always support such endeavours.

Brijesh Singh lauded What Now for its efforts to increase cybersecurity literacy in the state. He said that new laws had been enacted in the country to tackle cybercrimes and that the police were being trained in this regard, adding that the new laws will ensure justice for victims of cyber crimes.

B K Singh also appreciated the efforts of What Now.