Background and Timeline: On February 11, 2026, the Kolkata Police launched ‘Digital Prahari’, a comprehensive 24/7 initiative designed to protect citizens from evolving digital threats. The program was announced by Police Commissioner Supratim Sarkar to address the disproportionate targeting of the elderly in the city. This initiative acts as a safety net that operates around the clock to match the working hours of global cyber fraudsters.
Modus Operandi: Digital Prahari includes a dedicated toll-free helpline (1800-345-0066) and a blocking cell that maintains a repository of fraudulent IMEI numbers and malicious URLs. The service provides step-by-step guidance to victims, helping them navigate the complex legal and banking procedures required to recover blocked funds. It also provides a roadmap for users to regain control of hacked or impersonated WhatsApp and Facebook accounts.
Victims and Financial Impact: The initiative specifically targets the protection of the city’s senior citizens, who suffer 80% of the recorded cybercrime victims. By focusing on the “golden hour”—the critical first hour after a fraud—the police hope to significantly increase the amount of money recovered before it vanishes into mule accounts. The initiative aims to further drive up the recovery rate, which recently surged from 10% to 18% in the city.
Investigation and Agencies Involved: The Digital Prahari cell works in coordination with the central Department of Telecommunications, Google, and major social media platforms to block resources used by criminals. The police have also introduced ‘Cyber Pass’, a monthly newsletter that educates the public on the latest modus operandi, such as AI deepfakes. This awareness campaign is viewed as the “strongest weapon” against emerging behavioral scams.
Arrests and Suspects: While the initiative focuses on victim support, the blocking cell’s repository of fraudulent data is used to generate actionable leads for investigators. The unit also provides forensic evidence that supports the filing of formal FIRs in cases involving losses above ₹10 lakh. Families are being urged to sensitize senior members about the common tactics identified through the Digital Prahari framework.
Broader Implications and Trends: The launch reflects a trend toward “proactive policing” where the focus is as much on stopping the crime’s impact as it is on the arrest. It emphasizes the importance of a 24/7 response capability in a world where digital transactions never sleep. This development is expected to serve as a model for other metropolitan cities struggling with the high volume of social engineering attacks.