Cybersecurity must become People’s Movement: MP CM

Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has stated that cyber threats are invisible enemies that can reach our homes without warning. Understanding cyber threats is the most effective way to protect oneself from them. He said, “Caution is security, and awareness is protection”.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav, addressing the inauguration ceremony of ‘Safe Click 2.0’ under the Statewide Cyber Awareness Campaign at Ravindra Bhavan on Wednesday, said that cybercrimes such as digital arrest scams, deepfakes, fake profiles, hacking, data breaches, online fraud, OTP scams, online shopping fraud, ransomware attacks and fake investment links are increasing rapidly.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav released cyber awareness posters, cyber safety booklets prepared for schoolchildren and the campaign’s official video. He flagged off a Cyber Awareness Rath. The Chief Minister was welcomed with a Tulsi sapling and presented with a memento at the conclusion of the programme.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav, appreciating the efforts of Madhya Pradesh Police in conducting the campaign, said that the State Police always plays the role of a protector in times of crisis, much like Lord Hanuman. He informed that more than 3.3 million citizens were sensitised through various cyber awareness activities conducted across the State in 2025.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav, appealing to citizens to transform cybersecurity into a people’s movement, said that cyber threats are increasingly entering daily life in invisible forms. Awareness and vigilance remain the most effective tools for preventing cybercrimes committed through smartphones and computers.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that Madhya Pradesh Police’s ‘Safe Click 2.0’ campaign will play a significant role in creating awareness about cybercrime across the State. He described cybercriminals as ‘Digital-age Predators’ who silently infiltrate lives through laptops, computers and mobile phones.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that through its cyber awareness initiatives last year, the State Police reached more than 3.3 million citizens. Under the 15-day ‘Safe Click 2.0’ campaign, each day will focus on a different theme, including banking security, women’s safety and awareness in rural areas.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav urged citizens to remain cautious and advised them to ‘Stop, Think and Then Act’ if they receive suspicious links or threatening calls. He warned that greed and haste often result in financial losses. He urged citizens to actively participate in spreading awareness and expanding the reach. The State Government has established a robust framework to combat cybercrime, while the Government of India has implemented the Digital Personal Data Protection Act to safeguard citizens’ data.

Director General of Police Shri Kailash Makwana said that Madhya Pradesh Police is conducting the ‘Safe Click 2.0’ Cyber Awareness Campaign from June 24 to July 8. He said that cybercrime today is not merely a financial challenge but also a serious issue affecting social trust and national security.

Cybercrime has increased significantly in recent years, with nearly 80 per cent of complaints related to financial fraud. Cases involving digital arrest scams, deepfakes, fake profiles, fake SIM cards, mule bank accounts, and crimes targeting women and children have also increased. Madhya Pradesh Police is working actively to curb cybercrime through a strategy based on prevention, investigation and awareness.

DGP Shri Makwana informed that the State introduced the e-Zero FIR system on December 25, 2025. At present, e-Zero FIRs are being registered for cyber fraud cases involving losses of up to ₹1 lakh, helping victims obtain timely justice. The Cyber Crime Helpline 1930 is also providing prompt assistance to victims. Efforts are continuing to freeze funds involved in cyber fraud and facilitate their return to victims.

During 2025, a total of ₹135 crore was frozen, and substantial amounts were returned to affected individuals. The police are identifying and taking strict action against networks involved in cybercrime, including mule account operators and individuals linked to cyber slavery operations.

Madhya Pradesh Police has undertaken several special operations, including Operation Fast, Operation Fest, Operation Matrix and Operation Nayan, to curb cybercrime. The force has also been honoured with the DSCI Award for its efforts.

DGP Shri Makwana said that prevention and public awareness are the most powerful tools in combating cybercrime. Madhya Pradesh Police has connected with millions of people through its awareness campaigns. The first ‘Safe Click’ campaign became a major public awareness initiative and contributed significantly to curbing digital arrest scams. He expressed confidence that “Safe Click 2.0” would further accelerate these efforts.

DGP Shri Makwana said “The campaign’s core message is simple—Caution Is the Best Defence,” adding that police personnel will travel to villages across the State to educate citizens about cyber safety, banking security, women’s safety and citizen security. Extensive publicity of the Cyber Crime Helpline 1930 will also be undertaken.

Additional Director General of Police (Cybersecurity) Shri A. Sai Manohar delivered the vote of thanks and said that Madhya Pradesh Police would work over the next two weeks to take the campaign to every section of society. Senior police officers, personnel, schoolchildren and a large number of social media influencers were present at the programme.