Karnataka is set to become the first state in India to establish a dedicated Director General of Police (DGP) position exclusively for cybersecurity. This newly created role will operate within a specialized vertical of the police department, aimed at enhancing investigations into cyber, economic, and narcotics crimes.

Building on its legacy as a frontrunner in tackling cybercrime—Karnataka was home to India’s first cybercrime police station in the early 2000s—the state seeks to streamline efforts through a centralized approach. Currently, each district in Karnataka has its own cybercrime cells and stations. The new vertical will unify these under a single leadership to bolster coordination and efficiency.

The Karnataka Home Department plans to submit a proposal for the position to the Finance Department for approval. If greenlit, the DGP for Cyber, Economics, and Narcotics (CEN) crimes will join the state’s four existing DGP-ranked positions, which oversee the CID, Fire and Emergency Services, Prisons and Correctional Services, and overall police operations led by the DG&IGP.

The move aligns with Karnataka’s proactive measures to address the rise in cyber-related threats and economic crimes. Earlier this year, the state launched the CEN wing within the CID, with ADGP Pronab Mohanty at the helm, reflecting the government’s focus on combating cybercrime.

Bengaluru, the state capital, has seen a sharp increase in cybercrime incidents, with losses amounting to ₹1,242.7 crore in the first eight months of 2024, surpassing last year’s figures. The city recorded 12,356 cybercrime cases by August 31, following a total of 17,633 cases in 2023.

Karnataka’s initiative underscores its commitment to addressing the challenges posed by the state’s rapidly expanding technology sector, ensuring a secure environment for residents and businesses alike.