Cyber criminals using SIR to defraud people, Rajasthan police warn
Citizens have also been instructed to verify secure URLs and maintain caution while using cyber cafes by clearing browser history, cache, and avoiding auto-save options.
The advisory urges the public to meet their Booth Level Officer (BLO) directly and rely only on official government websites for SIR or voter card-related updates.
Cybercriminals appear to have found a new avenue to capitalise on — the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR). As the SIR exercise rolls out in several states, the Rajasthan police have issued an advisory warning people against a new cyber scam in the name of electoral list revision.
In the advisory, Rajasthan’s Director General of Police Cyber Crime Sanjay Agarwal cautioned against suspicious social media and text messages providing “links” to the enumeration form. These messages, according to the police, typically warn that names will be deleted from the voter list unless the form is filled, and then provide a link to the supposed “form.”
Once victims click on these links, they are asked for a one-time password (OTP) or a processing fee.
“The entire method is based on misinformation and is intended to steal confidential information and money,” the DGP said in the advisory.
The advisory urges the public to meet their Booth Level Officer (BLO) directly and rely only on official government websites for SIR or voter card-related updates.
It also reiterates that the SIR process is free of charge and that the Election Commission of India does not seek OTPs, Aadhaar, PAN, bank details or any personal information through calls or messages.
Citizens have also been instructed to verify secure URLs and maintain caution while using cyber cafes by clearing browser history, cache, and avoiding auto-save options.
In case of any suspicious activity or fraud attempt, the public has been asked to contact the nearest police station, cyber police station or the cyber helpline number 1930. Complaints can also be filed on https://cybercrime.gov.in or through the cyber help desk numbers 9256001930 and 9257510100.
Parul Kulshrestha is a Principal Correspondent for The Indian Express, based in Rajasthan. A lawyer turned journalist, she brings a unique cross-disciplinary perspective to her reporting, blending legal precision with deep social inquiry to cover one of India's most culturally and politically vibrant regions.
Expertise and Experience
Legal-Journalistic Synergy: Parul’s transition from a legal background to mainstream journalism provides her with a distinct advantage in interpreting policy, legislation, and judicial impacts. This expertise allows her to "read between the lines" of government orders and court rulings affecting the public.
Diverse Beat: With years of experience across both mainstream newsrooms and independent journalism, she has built high-level authority in several critical areas:
Nomadic Tribes & Marginalized Communities: She is recognized for her sensitive and in-depth reporting on the struggles and rights of Rajasthan's nomadic populations, often giving a voice to those outside the traditional political spotlight.
Gender & Social Justice: Parul focuses on the intersection of law and gender, covering issues ranging from women’s safety and reproductive rights to the socio-economic empowerment of rural women.
Environmental & Political Reporting: She tracks Rajasthan’s complex political landscape—including electoral shifts and bureaucratic changes—alongside critical environmental concerns like water scarcity and land use.
Academic & Professional Pedigree: Her background as a lawyer, combined with her rise to the rank of Principal Correspondent at a national broadsheet, establishes her as a senior voice in the media landscape. ... Read More
