Kolkata High Court blasts cyber crime units, orders report on training and resources

The Kolkata High Court has ordered the Director General of Police (DGP) of West Bengal to submit a detailed report within two weeks regarding the training protocols followed by officers in the state’s cyber crime units and the available infrastructure. The report is expected to include specific information on the resources allocated to cyber crime investigations, the methods of training provided to officers, and how the units are equipped to handle modern cyber crimes.

This directive was issued after the court reviewed the handling of a case filed at the Murutia Police Station in Nadia district. In the case, a woman accused a man of posting her nude photographs on social media after she was raped. Despite the clear connection to cyber crime, the investigating officers did not apply the relevant sections of cyber crime law. Instead, they used general sections of the law, which resulted in the accused being granted bail shortly after his arrest. The case was subsequently brought before the High Court.

During the court hearing, Justice Jaymalya Bagchi raised concerns about the actions taken by the Krishna Nagar Cyber Police Station, where the investigation was managed. He pointed out that the appropriate cyber crime laws were not applied to the case, questioning the handling of such investigations by the police. The judge asked, "If cyber crime laws are not applied, who will be held responsible when the accused gets bail?" This statement highlighted concerns over the efficiency of the cyber crime units and the application of proper legal procedures.

The court also expressed concerns over the resources available to the state’s cyber crime units. Justice Bagchi noted that while specialized cyber crime units were established in the state, there were doubts regarding their operational effectiveness. He emphasized that despite the creation of these units, they appeared to be functioning similarly to regular police stations, lacking the necessary expertise and resources to handle cyber crime cases effectively. The court highlighted the importance of modernizing the police force to better respond to digital crimes.

In addition to the report on the cyber crime units, the court instructed the police to collect the accused’s mobile phone and extract data from it for further investigation. This step is crucial for gathering evidence and determining the full scope of the crime. The court’s order for a detailed report and further investigation into the case aims to ensure that the necessary steps are taken to strengthen the response to cyber crimes in the state.