KOZHIKODE: Free speech in this digital age comes with a price tag. Azsniya Ashmin, an LLB student hailing from Nadapuram, learnt it the hard way.
Her critical views on social issues invited the wrath of religious fringe elements on cyber space. A stream of death threats and invectives later, she filed a plaint only to realise the cyber cell in the state was a paper tiger. Though she produced all evidence, they could not trace the culprits.
“I filed complaints in two separate incidents. In the first case, the complaint was lodged two years ago and the second was last February. But, they failed to make any progress in these cases,” she said. With the cyber cell turning into a farce, hi-tech criminals have got a carte blanche in the state.
Investigation into digital crimes registered with various police stations haven’t reached a logical conclusion. What’s more, the conviction rate for cyber crimes remains abysmally low as there are inordinate delays in the submission of chargesheets before the court.
As per the data with the Home Department, probe into around 80 per cent of cyber cases is still in a morass.
A total of 232 cyber crimes were recorded in the state during the past 10 months. The police had approached the agency for technical support in 178 cases and the Crime Branch sought its help in one case related to film piracy.
But investigation has been completed only in 57 cases. Intriguingly, the agency has failed to submit chargesheet in a single case.
“Most cyber cases have international links. So, there are many technical and legal procedures to be followed as part of the investigation. This is a major reason why such cases are gathering dust,” said ADGP Nitin Agarwal, in charge of the State Cyber Cell.
However, he said the department would seriously look into the matter if there is any undue delay in such cases.