Cyber fraud refunds crossed Rs 3.21 crore in Panchkula; mobile recoveries a success: Police

DCP Srishti Gupta highlighted a 20 per cent drop in molestation and harassment cases, which fell from 30 to 24, and a near 50 per cent reduction in rape cases, down from 27 to 14.

The Panchkula police claims significant progress in curbing cyber fraud, drug trafficking, and crimes against women in 2025. While cases of cybercrimes and sexual harassment of women have decreased, drug trafficking-related cases have increased.

According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Manpreet Singh Sudan, cybercrime cases showed a decline from 169 last year to 156 this year, while arrests nearly doubled from 91 to 173. Over Rs 11 crore in proceeds of cybercrime was frozen across two years, with refunds to victims rising from Rs 1.35 crore in 2024 to Rs 3.21 crore in 2025. The Cyber Cell also traced and returned 150 missing mobile phones valued at nearly Rs 22.5 lakh.

The police identified hotspots and deployed forces to ensure swift legal action in most incidents. The district also intensified its crackdown on drug trafficking. In 2025, the police registered 124 cases and arrested 255 traffickers, compared to 118 cases and 208 arrests in 2024. Seizures included 246 kg poppy husk, over 13 kg opium, 1.93 kg heroin, more than 17 kg charas, and 20,410 intoxicant tablets — far exceeding last year’s recoveries.

Since December, the campaign “Drug- and Violence-Free My Village – My Pride” has reached 551 villages and colonies, directly engaging with over 27,000 residents. The police identified nearly 3,000 traffickers and, with medical support, initiated treatment for 2,736 victims, while 132 were admitted to rehabilitation centres. In addition, properties of six traffickers acquired through earnings from illegal drug trade were demolished, compared to two last year, and four more were attached.

Emergency services also saw improvement, with the response time of emergency response vehicles reduced to an average of 8 minutes and 5 seconds, down from 10 minutes and 35 seconds, according to the police.

Commissioner of Police Shivas Kaviraj said the police had delivered effective, transparent, and result-oriented work in crime control, drug eradication, women’s safety, and public security throughout 2025, marking a year of decisive action and community outreach.