Govt using AI to combat cybercrime, says CM Fadnavis; warns against APK file scams

Mumbai, Jul 10 (PTI) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday said the government is using artificial intelligence (AI), digital surveillance and data analytics to combat cybercrime, narcotics trafficking and the illicit liquor menace. Replying to the Opposition's last week motion in the legislative assembly, Fadnavis, who holds the home portfolio, also said that the BJP-led government is taking steps to modernise the police force. AI is being used for crime analysis, spotting suspicious activities and intelligence gathering, he told the House. The government has put in place systems for digital documentation, analysis and tracking of crimes, enabling police to detect organised crime networks more effectively, he said. Speaking about cybercrime, the chief minister said Maharashtra police have unearthed the "country's biggest" digital arrest scam involving Rs 58 crore with links across Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, and arrested 133 persons while freezing around 6,000 bank accounts. He also cautioned people against downloading APK files received through unsolicited messages, saying cybercriminals are using such files to steal banking credentials, including ATM PINs, CVV numbers and UPI details. Strict action was taken after recent incidents of spurious liquor deaths in Pune, with all 17 accused arrested, he said, adding that disciplinary action was also initiated against officials of the Excise Department and the police. The government has launched a toll-free helpline and a WhatsApp number where people can share information about drug trafficking and other crimes, the chief minister said, adding that the identity of informants would be kept confidential and rewards would be given for credible information. With the assistance of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), police arrested an international drug trafficker operating an MD drug syndicate from abroad and busted several interstate drug networks extending to Mumbai, Mysuru, Hyderabad and Sangli. Police also seized narcotics worth about Rs 256 crore during the operations, he said. Maharashtra has adopted a 360-degree strategy against narcotics, involving coordination among multiple departments, awareness campaigns, law enforcement and action against the chemical supply chain used to manufacture synthetic drugs such as MD, he said. The state has sought permission from the Bombay High Court to establish special courts for cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act and plans to set up dedicated courts in every district in phases for speedy disposal of drugs cases, Fadnavis said. The Centre has approved a Rs 631-crore proposal for police modernisation under which advanced technology, AI, cyber security systems, drones, radars, hovercraft, speed boats, specialised vehicles and modern weapons will be procured. The state government has approved recruitment of 5,115 police personnel and is expanding police housing, Fadnavis said, adding that as many as 9,762 police quarters have been completed, while tenders have been issued for another 447 houses. He also announced the constitution of a high-level committee to suggest measures for providing ownership housing to police personnel. The committee has been given three months to submit its recommendations. As many as 61 new police stations were created since 2023 and the government has approved 72 more. In Mumbai, a major project has been proposed to construct modern police stations and government housing for police personnel on identified land parcels, he added. PTI MR KRK