From Jamtara To 'New Jamtara': How Pratibimb App Is Helping The Police Arrest Cybercriminals Across India

Originally launched in 2023 in Jamtara, Jharkhand - a region notorious for its high concentration of cybercriminal activities - the Pratibimb app has since been rolled out across various states.

Pratibimb not only tracks but also maintains a comprehensive map detailing the reported locations of cyber cons nationwide.

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The Pratibimb app, developed by the Union Home Ministry, has played a pivotal role in the apprehension of 57 individuals suspected of cyber fraud in Gurgaon and Nuh. This mobile application, a brainchild of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) and the Joint Cyber Crime Coordination Team-Jamtara, is designed to pinpoint the locations of cybercriminals, thereby aiding law enforcement in their capture.

If you've never heard of Pratibimb, fret not, here's everything you need to know: 

When Was Pratibimb Launched?

Originally launched in November 2023 in Jamtara, Jharkhand - a region notorious for its high concentration of cybercriminal activities - the Pratibimb app has since been rolled out across various states. Haryana's police force began utilising this technological tool in February, marking a new era in their cybercrime investigation capabilities.

How Does Pratibimb Work?

Restricted to use by cybercrime officers holding the rank of inspector or above, the app grants access to crucial data, including the last known whereabouts of suspects within their jurisdiction. Its operational mechanics are straightforward yet effective.

Upon receiving a cybercrime report via the national helpline 1930, the app collates details such as the involved phone numbers and bank accounts.

These details are then used to fetch the name under which the phone is registered, its last known position, and the owner's address from telecom service providers, thanks to a strategic partnership.

This tool not only tracks but also maintains a comprehensive map detailing the reported locations of cyber cons nationwide, a feature that has significantly contributed to the app's success.

How Effective Is Pratibimb?

Pratibimb has had a solid track record so far. The Jharkhand Police, for instance, reported an impressive 400 arrests within a month of employing the app, as per data from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), reported the Times of India.

In a recent operation, Gurgaon police reportedly managed to arrest 18 suspects, while their counterparts in Nuh made 39 arrests over two days by leveraging the app's tracking capabilities. These arrests have been pivotal in addressing the surge of cyber frauds emanating from regions like Nuh, which has been dubbed the 'new Jamtara' due to its emerging reputation as a cybercrime hub.

The crackdown has been comprehensive, with the arrests including a wide array of cybercriminal activities ranging from impersonation and OTP frauds to fake loan offers. Among those detained were individuals linked to a fraudulent operation in Sector 49, Gurgaon, who duped an electric bike owner of Rs 26,000 and others offering bogus loans.

The demographic profile of the suspects, as per the report, primarily unemployed youths aged in their 20s and early 30s, sheds light on the underlying socio-economic factors contributing to the rise in cybercriminal activities. These individuals were implicated in scams affecting people across multiple states, including Telangana, Gujarat, and West Bengal, to name a few.

Authorities in Nuh have proceeded to file 20 cases under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, demonstrating the legal system's resolve to combat such crimes. This action follows a massive operation in April 2023, where over 300 locations in the district were raided, leading to the arrest of 66 young individuals involved in similar activities.