Assam records 81% drop in cybercrime, becomes model for digital safety

Guwahati: Assam has dramatically reduced cybercrime, achieving an 81.2% decline in cases over the past two years, a milestone officials describe as a “digital reset” in the state’s fight against online fraud.

Official data shows that the number of cybercrime cases fell from 4,846 in 2021 to just 909 in 2023, one of the sharpest drops recorded by any Indian state in recent years.

The Assam Police Cyber Crime Wing, along with district units, spearheaded targeted operations and awareness campaigns that directly contributed to this success.

Authorities also implemented a multi-pronged strategy, combining digital literacy drives, faster investigation protocols, and improved coordination with banks and financial institutions to curb online fraud.

The Cyber Forensic Lab in Guwahati played a key role in real-time tracking and data recovery, enabling police to arrest offenders quickly and deter potential cybercriminals.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who has overseen the launch of multiple cyber safety initiatives, highlighted that Assam’s achievement demonstrates how technology can act as both a challenge and a shield. He stressed that ongoing public awareness is essential to sustain these results.

A senior police official noted, “We’re not just clicking links anymore, we’re clicking safe,” pointing out that citizens’ vigilance combined with the government’s emphasis on cyber hygiene has reshaped Assam’s digital safety landscape.

With this remarkable turnaround, Assam has effectively pressed the “CTRL ALT DELETE” on cybercrime, emerging as a model for proactive digital governance in the Northeast and across India.