War on cybercrime and drug trafficking

“The state police have established a specialized unit named Eagle, which is tasked with monitoring and controlling ganja-related  activities.” Dwaraka Tirumala Rao Director General of Police, Andhra Pradesh

BIG BOSS IS WATCHING YOU!

■ Establishment of dedicated cybercrime police stations

■ Formation of a specialized Eagle Unit to combat ganja cultivation

■ Installation of CCTV cameras in crime-prone areas

■ Target of installing 100,000 CCTV cameras by March 1, with support from donors and the public

■ Cameras to be strategically placed in areas with a higher likelihood of criminal activity

Metro India News | SRIKAKULAM

The Andhra Pradesh Government will be setting up one lakh CCTV cameras across the state to combat the growing cybercrime and drug trafficking menace. Director General of Police (DGP) of Andhra Pradesh, Dwaraka Tirumala Rao while addressing the media in Srikakulam outlined a series of measures being undertaken by the police force to tackle these challenges, including the establishment of dedicated cybercrime police stations, the formation of a specialized Eagle Unit to combat ganja cultivation, and the installation of CCTV cameras in crime-prone areas.

DGP Tirumala Rao highlighted the alarming increase in cybercrimes across Andhra Pradesh, emphasizing the need for robust mechanisms to address the issue. He revealed that the state government is taking proactive steps by setting up dedicated Cyber Crime Police Stations in every district. These specialized units will focus on investigating and preventing cybercrimes, which have become increasingly sophisticated and widespread.

The DGP stressed the importance of public awareness in combating cybercrime. “Cybercriminals often exploit the lack of awareness among citizens. We are launching extensive awareness campaigns to educate people about the risks and how to protect themselves,” he said. He urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities promptly.

Expressing deep concern over the rise in crimes against vulnerable groups, including children and the elderly, DGP Rao described the trend as a “matter of shame for a civilized society.” He called for collective efforts from all sections of society to protect these groups and ensure their safety. The police department is working closely with community organizations and local authorities to address these issues and provide support to victims.

The DGP also shed light on the persistent problem of illegal ganja cultivation and trafficking in the northern regions of Andhra Pradesh. Despite on-going efforts to eradicate this issue, the roots of ganja cultivation remain deeply entrenched in the area. To tackle this challenge, the state police have established a specialized unit named Eagle, which is tasked with monitoring and controlling ganja-related activities.

In addition to enforcement, the police are conducting awareness campaigns in schools and colleges to educate students about the dangers of drug abuse. “Prevention is as important as enforcement. We want to ensure that the younger generation understands the harmful effects of drugs and stays away from them,” Rao said.

The state government has also formed a high-level committee comprising cabinet ministers to oversee ganja eradication efforts. This committee will coordinate with various departments to ensure a comprehensive approach to the problem.

In a bid to leverage technology for crime prevention, the DGP announced the installation of CCTV cameras across the state. These cameras are being strategically placed in identified black spots, areas with a higher likelihood of criminal activity. The initiative aims to enhance surveillance and ensure that any unlawful acts are recorded and acted upon swiftly.

The state has set an ambitious target of installing 100,000 CCTV cameras by March 1, with support from donors and the public. “This is a collaborative effort. We are grateful for the support we have received from the community, and we encourage more people to come forward and contribute to this initiative,” Rao said.