Gujarat’s Harsh Sanghavi Urges Banks to Combat Cyber Fraud Swiftly

The Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat, Harsh Sanghavi, has called on banks to enhance their collaboration with state police to tackle the increasing incidents of cyber fraud. This appeal was made during the 187th meeting of the State Level Bankers’ Committee (SLBC) held in Gandhinagar on Tuesday, with a focus on ensuring the prompt freezing of disputed funds reported through the 1930 Cybercrime Helpline.

Sanghavi highlighted the need for banks to respond more rapidly to cybercrime incidents, noting that the Gujarat police have bolstered their team of tele-operators dedicated to managing cybercrime calls. He emphasized that banks must mirror this initiative by implementing quicker response mechanisms. “All cybercrime cases registered on the 1930 helpline on Monday saw 100% of the funds frozen,” he stated, underlining the importance of timely coordination to protect citizens’ finances.

Proposed Measures for Enhanced Coordination

To facilitate improved response times, Sanghavi proposed the appointment of a nodal officer within each bank to handle reports of cyber fraud. He suggested the formation of a joint committee comprising representatives from the home department, the Gujarat police, and bank nodal officers. This collaborative approach is aimed at expediting actions against cybercriminals.

In a recent example cited during the meeting, Sanghavi praised bank manager Jayesh Gandhi for his quick thinking that prevented a senior citizen from falling victim to a ‘digital arrest’ scam. The individual was attempting to transfer Rs 45 lakh when Gandhi’s intervention halted the transaction. “Vigilance and a humane approach by bank staff can substantially reduce cybercrime,” he remarked.

The meeting featured key attendees, including Debadatta Chand, chairman of SLBC Gujarat, Sonali Sen Gupta, executive director of the Reserve Bank of India, and Manoj Ayyappan, joint secretary of the Union Finance Ministry, along with senior officials from the state’s finance department and nationalised banks.

As cybercrime rates continue to rise, the emphasis on collaborative efforts between financial institutions and law enforcement will be crucial in safeguarding the public against financial fraud. Sanghavi’s push for immediate action reflects a growing recognition of the need for proactive measures in the banking sector to combat this evolving threat.