Mumbai
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday stressed the importance of the “Golden Hour” in cyber fraud cases, saying timely complaints can help save and recover stolen money. Speaking at the inauguration of Cyber Awareness Month, he urged citizens to immediately call helpline numbers 1930 or 1945 if they fall victim to online fraud.
“Just like accident victims can be saved if treated in the Golden Hour, cybercrime losses can also be prevented if reported quickly,” Fadnavis said.
The event was attended by DGP Rashmi Shukla, Additional Chief Secretary Iqbal Singh Chahal, actor Akshay Kumar, actress Rani Mukherjee, and experts from IIT-Mumbai.
Calling cybercrime prevention a major challenge in the digital age, the Chief Minister said awareness was the most powerful tool. He warned about rising frauds using phishing, OTP scams, deepfakes, voice cloning, and misuse of personal data collected online. “Technology is both the threat and the solution. Every digital crime leaves a digital fingerprint,” he noted.
Fadnavis highlighted Maharashtra’s advanced cyber security labs, response centres, and regulatory systems that allow quick action. However, he underlined that prompt public reporting remains critical. He also appealed for more outreach to the youth, adding that communicators and educators play a key role in spreading awareness.
DGP Rashmi Shukla said the Railway Ministry has launched a major campaign broadcasting cyber safety alerts at major stations daily, reaching lakhs of citizens. Maharashtra Police too is running statewide awareness drives across districts, cities, and social media platforms.
On the occasion, a cyber security documentary was screened, a comic booklet for children titled Cyber Yoddha was released, and cyber warriors were honoured for their awareness work.
