PATNA, AUGUST 2025 – Bihar has witnessed a sharp rise in cybercrime, from 1,606 cases in 2022 to over 5,700 by 2024, and 3,258 cases already reported in early 2025. In response to the steep rise in cybercrime cases, Bihar has launched an ambitious plan to upgrade its investigative capacity with two state-of-the-art cyber forensic laboratories—one in Patna and another in Rajgir. The project, backed by an investment of around INR 13-13.66 crore, is being developed in collaboration with the National Forensic Science University (NFSU). This partnership will not only provide the latest forensic tools but also establish a robust training and accreditation program to ensure that local investigators can effectively handle complex digital evidence.
The moves come as Bihar grapples with a significant surge in online crimes ranging from UI frauds and phishing attacks to deepfake extortion and cryptocurrency scams. Official figures indicate a sharp crisis in cybercrime complaints over the past few years, with 2025 already recording thousands of cases. For both victims and investigators, the delay in processing evidence has been a significant hurdle. The new Labs aim to cut turnaround times by up to four times, allowing law enforcement to act swiftly before digital trails vanish.
Beyond evidence analysis, the government is adopting a prevention-first strategy. All state departments will undergo cybersecurity audits, in coordination with agencies such as C-DAC and the Indian Cybercrime Collaboration Centre (I4C). The main goal is to identify vulnerabilities before they can be exploited, thereby reducing the number of incidents that reach investigative desks. Experts stress that building capacity is only part of the challenge. The real test will be ensuring accuracy, transparency, and reproducibility in forensic work so the evidence stands up to legal scrutiny. This is where the new labs, coupled with NFSU guidance, could set Bihar as a benchmark for other states facing similar cybercrime pressures.
If it works as planned, this move could mean quicker case closure, tougher action against offenders, and a signal of official trust, indicating a shift towards a more innovative, prevention-focused approach to justice in the digital era.