Cyber crime rates in Panchkula have increased at an alarming rate, multiplying more than six times than in 2024. With 72 cases already reported in the first four months of 2025, the trend shows no signs of slowing, hinting that the district could end the year with over 200 cases.
In 2022, the city registered just 26 cases of cyber crime, however, the number leapt to 87 in 2023, reporting a 235% increase. It surged again in 2024, reaching 169, nearly doubling from the previous year.
The data also reflected growing strain on the city’s investigation and judicial processes. In 2022, only 3 cases reached court while 23 remained under investigation. By 2024, the backlog had worsened with 35 cases were under court consideration, 21 were still being investigated, and 110 were under follow-up. Three more cases were tagged as “CAN” (case action not specified). So far in 2025, 70 cases remain under investigation with just one under court proceedings, as per the data obtained by TNN.
Based in the average of 18 cases reported per month in 2025 so far, officials predicted that by the end of 2025, the number could increase over eight times than what was recorded in 2022.
Cyber crime experts warn that the crimes, ranging from financial fraud and identity theft to ‘digital arrest’ scams and data breaches, are growing in sophistication. Vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly and retired residents of Panchkula, are increasingly becoming victims.
"Digital arrest cases and financial frauds are some of the most common cyber crime cases in Panchkula. With Panchkula having a lot of pensioners and an elderly population, many of whose children are settled abroad, they are one of the preferred targets of online scammers," a cyber police official told TNN.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Srishti Gupta emphasised that rising digital usage without adequate awareness is a dangerous mix. “As technology becomes more embedded in everyday life, so too must the commitment to protecting it. With the pace of digital literacy and financial inclusion increasing, cyber security and hygiene have not kept pace. Many people are not tech-savvy, so they fall into this trap,” she said.
She cautioned citizens against clicking on suspicious links. “Recently, a govt website's link was copied and altered, and people were cheated. So, we should be aware that we should not click on similar-looking links,” she said.
Gupts further added, in case of uncertainity people should abstain from clicking on those links for KYC.
The criminals also change their tactics for cyber crimes, for instance asking for bill payments in summer, for IT return filing in March, she explained to TNN.
"While digital arrest, which the police or any other law enforcement agencies do not ask for, and investment-related frauds are most dangerous as they involve huge amounts of money."
Despite the spike in cases, DCP Gupta noted that enforcement efforts are showing improvement. “Now, even on a cyber crime complaint basis, recoveries are done. It is not mandatory that an FIR has to be registered for recovery. Besides, we are blocking mobile phone numbers, which are used for making cyber crime calls. POS machines with abnormal PIN card entries are verified from time to time,” she added.
In 2022, the city registered just 26 cases of cyber crime, however, the number leapt to 87 in 2023, reporting a 235% increase. It surged again in 2024, reaching 169, nearly doubling from the previous year.
The data also reflected growing strain on the city’s investigation and judicial processes. In 2022, only 3 cases reached court while 23 remained under investigation. By 2024, the backlog had worsened with 35 cases were under court consideration, 21 were still being investigated, and 110 were under follow-up. Three more cases were tagged as “CAN” (case action not specified). So far in 2025, 70 cases remain under investigation with just one under court proceedings, as per the data obtained by TNN.
Based in the average of 18 cases reported per month in 2025 so far, officials predicted that by the end of 2025, the number could increase over eight times than what was recorded in 2022.
Cyber crime experts warn that the crimes, ranging from financial fraud and identity theft to ‘digital arrest’ scams and data breaches, are growing in sophistication. Vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly and retired residents of Panchkula, are increasingly becoming victims.
"Digital arrest cases and financial frauds are some of the most common cyber crime cases in Panchkula. With Panchkula having a lot of pensioners and an elderly population, many of whose children are settled abroad, they are one of the preferred targets of online scammers," a cyber police official told TNN.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Srishti Gupta emphasised that rising digital usage without adequate awareness is a dangerous mix. “As technology becomes more embedded in everyday life, so too must the commitment to protecting it. With the pace of digital literacy and financial inclusion increasing, cyber security and hygiene have not kept pace. Many people are not tech-savvy, so they fall into this trap,” she said.
She cautioned citizens against clicking on suspicious links. “Recently, a govt website's link was copied and altered, and people were cheated. So, we should be aware that we should not click on similar-looking links,” she said.
Gupts further added, in case of uncertainity people should abstain from clicking on those links for KYC.
The criminals also change their tactics for cyber crimes, for instance asking for bill payments in summer, for IT return filing in March, she explained to TNN.
"While digital arrest, which the police or any other law enforcement agencies do not ask for, and investment-related frauds are most dangerous as they involve huge amounts of money."
Despite the spike in cases, DCP Gupta noted that enforcement efforts are showing improvement. “Now, even on a cyber crime complaint basis, recoveries are done. It is not mandatory that an FIR has to be registered for recovery. Besides, we are blocking mobile phone numbers, which are used for making cyber crime calls. POS machines with abnormal PIN card entries are verified from time to time,” she added.
You may also like
EastEnders 'confirms' return for legendary character amid heartbreaking Nigel storyline
TRIC Awards 2025 winners in full as Ant and Dec hit with triple blow
Furious Lee Anderson demands end to 'soft touch Britain' as asylum seekers work illegally
Major UK security shake up as country prepares for 'growing threats at home'
Iran struck by 4.8 magnitude earthquake hours after missile attacks in Middle East
