**Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis Stresses Timely Reporting of Cyber Frauds During “Cyber Awareness Month – October 2025″**
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday emphasized that timely reporting of cyber frauds is as crucial as saving accident victims during the “Golden Hour.” He urged citizens to immediately lodge complaints through helplines 1930 or 1945 to increase the chances of recovering stolen money.
The CM was speaking at the inauguration of **“Cyber Awareness Month – October 2025”** held at the Maharashtra Police Headquarters in Mumbai. The event witnessed the presence of DGP Rashmi Shukla, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Iqbal Singh Chahal, Bollywood actors Akshay Kumar and Rani Mukherjee, Dr. Farooq Kazi of VJTI, Prof. Manjesh Hanwal of IIT Mumbai, and senior police officials.
### Cybercrime: The Biggest Challenge of the Digital Age
Fadnavis highlighted that cybercrime is one of the biggest threats of the digital era, stressing that prevention is as important as punishment. He cautioned against the growing misuse of AI technologies such as phishing, OTP fraud, deepfakes, voice and face cloning.
“Every online transaction, social media activity, or acceptance of cookies carries the risk of data misuse, which can lead to extortion, cyberbullying, and fraud,” he warned.
### Technology: Both a Threat and a Solution
Highlighting Maharashtra’s investment in world-class cyber labs and response centres, Fadnavis underlined the importance of swift complaint registration.
“Technology itself is a threat, but technology alone is also the solution. Every digital crime leaves behind a digital fingerprint,” he said.
He also raised concern about cyberspace being used to spread propaganda. “Cyberspace not only connects people; it can hack your mind. The new danger is planting anarchist ideas in a very personalised way,” he added, referring to the emerging threat of “urban Maoism.”
### Need for Cyber Awareness in Schools
Fadnavis underlined the significant roles of parents, teachers, and communicators in educating youth about digital safety. He suggested including cyber security in school curriculums as a “revolutionary step” toward building a safer digital future.
### Akshay Kumar Shares Personal Experience
Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar shared a personal incident involving his family. He revealed that his daughter once received inappropriate messages from a stranger while playing an online game.
“Thankfully, she reported it to her mother immediately. But such incidents don’t always get reported. Cyber security should be taught in schools just like history and mathematics,” he stated passionately.
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With cyber threats evolving rapidly, Maharashtra’s initiative to raise awareness and improve reporting mechanisms aims to safeguard citizens in the digital age. Citizens are encouraged to stay vigilant and report suspicious activities through the dedicated helplines promptly.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-news-cm-devendra-fadnavis-launches-cyber-awareness-month-urges-citizens-to-report-frauds-within-golden-hour