Telangana Director General of Police B. Shivadhar Reddy on Sunday launched a State-wide cyber crime awareness campaign titled ‘Jaagrut Hyderabad – Surakshit Hyderabad’ (Aware Hyderabad – Safe Hyderabad), urging citizens to fight the rising tide of online fraud through vigilance and self-awareness.
Speaking at the launch held at Jalavayu Tower Community Hall in Kawadiguda, Hyderabad, the DGP said the State has witnessed a steady increase in cyber crime over the past decade, prompting the police to initiate a campaign on a war footing to tackle the menace. The event also saw the unveiling of the ‘Cyber Simbha’ volunteer logo and QR code, along with the distribution of badges to campaign volunteers.
“Cyber crime has evolved into a serious social issue. Offenders are exploiting phones, social media and online platforms to target unsuspecting citizens by gaining access to their personal details such as wealth, location and age,” said DGP Shivadhar Reddy. He added that women, senior citizens, and homemakers are increasingly being targeted by callers who use fear to commit fraud.
The officer noted that special measures have been introduced to reduce cyber fraud incidents compared to last year, including enhanced cyber patrolling. He appealed to the youth, retired citizens and local influencers to join the awareness movement, stating that ‘if one person tells ten, and ten tell twenty, it becomes a movement’. He emphasised that every household should have at least one ‘Cyber Simbha’ aware of the tricks used by fraudsters to help build a safer society.
Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar said citizens under the Hyderabad Commissionerate limits lose up to ₹1 crore every day to online scams. “Fraudsters are preying on people’s greed and fear. Awareness at the grassroots level is the key to breaking this chain,” he said.
Mr. Sajjanar advised citizens not to trust suspicious calls, links or applications and to avoid sharing OTPs, passwords or banking information. He also urged the public to use strong passwords and refrain from sharing personal details with unknown individuals on social media.
Victims of cyber fraud, he said, should immediately contact the helpline 1930 or report the incident on the national cyber crime portal at www.cybercrime.gov.in. The Commissioner also administered the ‘Cyber Pledge’ to participants, reaffirming collective responsibility in fighting online fraud.
Published – November 09, 2025 06:53 pm IST
