193 e-challan cyber fraud cases registered in ’25: CM Fadnavis

Mumbai: Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday told the Legislative Assembly that 193 cases of cyber fraud involving fake links or APK files in the name of e-challans were registered in 2025, and 36 accused were arrested. CM Fadnavis said 120 cases were registered in 2024 and 2025 for illegal online gaming, and 68 accused were arrested. CM Fadnavis was replying to a query raised by MLAs Prashant Thakur, Sameer Kunawar and Atul Bhatkhalkar, among others."The state govt implemented the Maharashtra Cyber Security Project, which includes measures equipped with cutting-edge technology, skilled manpower and resources, focusing on citizens who are victims of cyber fraud, especially women, children and senior citizens. To control cyber crimes across the state, the Cyber Security Project Headquarters and Nodal Cyber Police Station function at Mahape in Navi Mumbai, through which 50 District Cyber Labs/Police Stations in the state work to investigate technically complex cyber crimes. The Maharashtra Cyber Office, with the help of 26 expert consultants, provided online training on forensic tools to 1,000 police officers and employees in the state," said the CM in his written reply."To prevent all types of cyber crimes, awareness was created among the general public about the website and the cyber helpline number through Maharashtra Cyber's social media accounts, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube. Also, public awareness about cybercrime is being effectively created through Maharail LED/LCD screens at 34 railway stations in the state," CM Fadnavis said."The state govt, via its letter dated July 2, 2025, requested the Union Minister of Home Affairs to enact a law to regulate online lotteries and online games. Accordingly, the Centre promulgated the ‘Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 20250', dated August 22, 2025, in the Gazette of India," said CM Fadnavis in his written reply.