Panchkula, November 15
Haryana Police has taken a historic step to ensure immediate and easy justice for citizens who fall victim to cyber fraud. Under the leadership of Director General of Police (DGP) O. P. Singh, the state police, in collaboration with the Legal Services Authorities, has implemented a new mechanism under which the defrauded amount—once ‘blocked’ (freezed) in the bank account—will now be returned to the victim directly through Lok Adalat, without the need for a lengthy legal process or a lawyer. This arrangement has been made especially for cases where the money was blocked immediately after the complaint was filed, but no FIR has been registered yet.
Major relief for cyber fraud victims
Singh said, “The biggest problem in cybercrime was that despite the victim’s money being blocked, they had to run around courts to get it back. Understanding this human challenge, Haryana Police presented this simple and effective model before the government and judiciary. Now, no cyber fraud victim in Haryana will have to leave their rightful money to fate. Together, we have ensured that victims get quick relief and justice.” The DGP appealed to all citizens to immediately report fraud during the ‘Golden Hour’ by calling 1930, so that police can save their hard-earned money.
Directions issued on Haryana Police’s initiative
Haryana Police played a pivotal role in getting this system implemented. The police had requested the State Government and the Haryana State Legal Services Authority (HALSA) to include applications related to release/de-freezing of blocked cyber fraud money under the category of Public Utility Services in Permanent Lok Adalats. Accepting this request, the Department of Administration of Justice, Haryana Government, issued an official notification formally bringing such cyber applications—where no FIR has been registered—under the jurisdiction of Permanent Lok Adalats. This means such applications will now be treated as Pre-Litigation Cases (PLCs), significantly increasing the speed of the justice process.
Simple and time-bound refund process for victims
Haryana Police, in collaboration with the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), has also prepared a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to ensure that victims receive their refund without any difficulty. The refund process will be completed in four simple steps. First, the complaint must be filed—victims should immediately call helpline 1930 or file a complaint on cybercrime.gov.in. The police will take prompt action and get the fraudster’s account blocked. After that, the victim must apply to the DLSA by filling out a simple form requesting a refund. During this stage, the Investigating Officer (IO) will assist the victim in preparing the necessary documents and bank report. After verifying the application, the DLSA will forward it to the Lok Adalat/Permanent Lok Adalat, which will complete the conciliation proceedings and issue the refund order within a week. Finally, once the court order is received, the concerned bank will immediately release the blocked amount to the victim’s account. Police and DLSA will ensure that the order reaches both the bank and the victim electronically without delay. Notably, the entire process does not require the victim to hire a lawyer; they can apply independently with DLSA’s support.
Important advisory from Haryana Police
The repatriation of Indian nationals trapped in cyber-fraud operations in Thailand is ongoing, and many victims include residents of Haryana. All Haryana residents should contact their relatives working abroad—especially in Southeast Asia—to ensure they are not trapped in any cyber job scam or cyber slavery. Before accepting any overseas job offer, thoroughly verify the offer, company, and recruitment agent. Remember that visa-free entry for Indian passport holders in Thailand is only for tourism and short business visits—not for employment. Misuse of this facility may lead to detention or legal action. Stay alert and protect your loved ones from fraud and exploitation.
