In an important step to fight the rising tide of cybercrimes, the Telangana police have launched a statewide awareness campaign titled “Jaagrut Hyderabad – Surakshit Hyderabad” (Aware Hyderabad – Safe Hyderabad). The campaign was formally inaugurated at the Jalavayu Tower Community Hall in Kavadiguda, Hyderabad.
The initiative aims to educate citizens about digital safety, responsible online behavior, and the various tactics cybercriminals use to defraud people. With cybercrimes causing an average daily loss of up to Rs 1 crore in the Hyderabad Commissionerate alone, the urgency of spreading awareness is critical.
A key feature of the campaign is the creation of a network of trained ‘Cyber Simbha’ volunteers, including residents, students, and professionals. These volunteers will conduct door-to-door visits, workshops, and awareness drives, equipping communities with practical knowledge to prevent scams like phishing, digital extortion, and identity theft.
Telangana Director General of Police B. Shivdhar Reddy emphasized that cybercrime is a serious social issue affecting all age groups, particularly targeting women, the elderly, and homemakers. The campaign highlights the importance of self-awareness and cautions against trusting unknown calls, links, or messages. The DGP encouraged widespread public participation, stating, “If every household has at least one Cyber Simbha who is aware and alert, society will be much safer.”
Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar added that the campaign focuses on grassroots interaction, using door-to-door awareness, QR codes, posters, and social media platforms to educate citizens. He advised the public not to share sensitive information such as OTPs, passwords, or banking details and urged victims of cyber fraud to immediately report incidents to the cyber helpline 1930 or through the national cybercrime portal (www.cybercrime.gov.in).
The campaign launch event also featured the unveiling of the ‘Cyber Simbha’ logo and QR code and the administration of a cyber safety pledge to volunteers and attendees. This initiative marks a decisive move by Telangana police to protect its citizens in the digital age through education, vigilance, and community involvement.
