Punjab & Haryana HC Seeks Report On Cyber Crime Complaint Mechanisms In Plea Against Telegram Scammers Duping On Pretext Of Profit

The Punjab & Haryana High Court has 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.

Justice Mahabir Singh Sindhu said, "State counsel shall also visit the office of ADGP, Cyber Crime, Punjab on 17.02.2025 and to submit a comprehensive report regarding the complaint(s) handling mechanism as well as the fate of unresolved complaint(s), where no FIR has been registered."

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 has 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. The Petitioner 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 to get "the complete details of Cyber Police Stations in the State of Punjab, as well as number of Cyber complaints received from 01.01.2023 to 31.12.2024 (Police Station wise) and Cyber FIRs which are pending for investigation as on 31.01.2025."

The matter is further listed for February 17, for further consideration.

Title: DR. KARAMJIT SINGH VS. STATE OF PUNJAB AND ORS.

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

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

Click here to read/download the order