Cyber Fraud Of ₹474 Crores Reported In Punjab: HC To Decide Accountability Of Financial Losses Suffered By Victims When Accused Is Untraceable

Taking note of the Punjab Government's report that cyber fraud of Rs.474.49. crores have been reported in State in 1 year, the Punjab & Haryana High Court to decide the accountable for the financial losses suffered by victims in cases where accused is not traceable.

The Report revealed that in Punjab, cyber frauds have been reported to the tune of Rs.474.49 crore and out of that, "a meager amount of Rs.68.96 lakh has been recovered so far."

Justice Mahabir Singh Sindhu set out the following questions to decide: "What preventive measures should be adopted to control the cyber fraud"?  and "Who should be held accountable for the financial losses suffered by victim(s) in such cases where accused is/are not traceable?."

The Court was hearing a plea filed by a retired Government officer from the Punjab's Health Department, concerning a cyber financial scam.

The Petitioner was allegedly deceived by scammers operating through the 'Secret Escapes' Telegram group, who manipulated him into making significant financial investments with false promises of profits.

It was submitted in the plea that despite multiple complaints and statements to the Cyber Police, no FIR has been registered, and no action has been taken by the authorities to investigate or recover the Petitioner's lost money.

The Petitioner had provided detailed evidence, including UT numbers, bank transfers, and personal details of the key scammer...Despite the provision of this information, the Cyber Police have not acted. nor have they made any progress on the investigation.

He also submitted a formal request for FIR registration, but authorities have not responded," added the plea. It was also contended that as per the BNSS, a complaint can be filed anywhere or through WhatsApp (Zero FIR) and then at the concerned Police station for investigation.

"The new law is crystal clear for registration of FIR after 14 days Probe otherwise if SI does not submit a report on Probe in 14 days, DCP will issue a show cause notice for departmental action against SI and Police cannot refuse for registration of FIR…But till date no FIR has been registered against the criminals/ scammers which arestill at large," read the plea.

In the last hearing, the Court asked the Punjab Government directed the Punjab Government to provide a comprehensive report regarding the complaint handling mechanism on cyber crimes as well as the fate of unresolved complaints, where no FIR has been registered.

Consequently, a detailed report was submitted by the Government.

The matter is listed for February 27, for further consideration.

Ms.Simrat Kaur, Advocate, for Mr.Anmol Jeevan S.Mann, Advocate, for the petitioner.

Mr. Kunwarbir Singh, AAG, Punjab assisted by Inspector-Tarandeep Kaur, Cyber Crime Patiala.

Title: Dr.Karamjeet Singh Vs. State of Punjab & others

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