Sikkim will establish a dedicated Cyber Crime Police Station by 2026, Director General of Police Akshay Sachdeva announced during a press conference on Wednesday. The move comes amid a steady rise in cyber crime and digital fraud cases in the state, reflecting growing challenges posed by increased internet and digital payment usage.
According to data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), Sikkim reported 26 cyber crime cases in 2022, compared to negligible or zero cases in earlier years. While the absolute number remains low compared to larger states, officials say the trend is upward. In addition to registered FIRs, the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal has received hundreds of complaints from Sikkim, mainly related to online financial frauds, phishing, fake loan offers, and impersonation scams.
Sikkim Police officials noted that several digital fraud cases have been reported regularly since 2023, with victims losing money through UPI scams, online marketplace frauds, and fake investment schemes.
Police have repeatedly urged citizens to report incidents promptly through helpline 1930 or the national portal.
To strengthen cyber crime response, the Sikkim Police has taken multiple steps over the past few years. A Cyber Forensic and Training Laboratory was set up at Police Headquarters in 2020, followed by the establishment of a Cyber Cell at the South District Police Headquarters in Namchi in 2021. The force has also conducted regular cyber awareness programmes and specialised training for officers.
The upcoming dedicated Cyber Crime Police Station is expected to centralise reporting, investigation, and digital forensic analysis, enhancing the state’s ability to tackle cyber offences. Officials believe the initiative will improve conviction rates, victim support, and overall digital safety in Sikkim.
