Maharashtra's project against cyber crimes hits a roadblock

The Maharashtra government's ambitious plans to fight cyber crime in the state has hit a roadblock. The Information and Technology (I-T) department, which is anchoring the project, has been unable to reach a consensus over procurement of necessary equipment, over security concerns.

Under the Rs 800-crore project, the government plans to set up a laboratory at Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), which was slated to start by the end of this year. The department officials, however, have failed to zero-in on a vendor, despite several meetings.

"Such sensitive equipment cannot be purchased through a standard tendering process. The department, however, is not at ease with making a direct purchase from a single source without any clear directions. The departments are working on a solution and the issue won't linger for sure," said a senior government officer.

There are also strict directions in place from the Centre that prohibit the purchase of any Chinese hardware or software, due to security concerns. The proposed cyber project is expected to comprise of three parts – cyber labs, Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) and a training center. The department, along with consultancy firm PwC, aims to train at least 1,000 police personnel in cases of cyber crime.

The government also plans to run programs to sensitize judges and public prosecutors regarding cyber crimes and evidence gathering. "Unlike murder or theft, cyber crimes have an electronic trail instead of eye witnesses. Most of the times, the accused goes scot-free because an electronic trail alone is not considered sufficient proof. Hence, the plan to sensitize judges and prosecutors," said a state government official.

The project was mooted after Maharashtra recorded the highest number of cyber crimes. However, the conviction rate has been abysmal in the state. Of the thousands of arrests made, the state has managed to convict just one person, according to a senior Mumbai police officer. In the last four years, there has not been a single conviction, despite the growing number of reported cyber crimes in the state.