Port Blair (Sri Vijaya Puram): With cyber fraudsters increasingly exploiting digital habits and drug networks targeting vulnerable young minds, the Andaman & Nicobar Police has stepped up its awareness campaign among students, taking its twin message of “Stay Alert Online, Stay Away from Drugs” to Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Institute of Technology (DBRAIT), Dollygunj.
Around 300 students and faculty members participated in a comprehensive awareness programme on cybercrime trends, cyber safety and drugs and narcotics awareness at the institute on Monday. The programme was conducted by Suma Madda, DySP, Cyber & Anti-Narcotic.
The cybercrime session focused on the rapidly evolving methods being employed by online fraudsters, including “Digital Arrest” scams, phishing, identity theft, fraudulent links, social media-related crimes and online financial and digital-payment frauds.
Using real-life case studies, the police officers explained how cybercriminals manipulate victims into revealing sensitive information or transferring money. Students were urged to maintain strict cyber hygiene, use strong passwords and exercise caution while using social media, online banking and digital payment platforms.
The police issued a clear warning against sharing OTP, PIN, passwords, CVV, banking credentials and other confidential information with anyone, while stressing the importance of acting quickly when a cyber financial fraud occurs. Victims of suspected cyber financial fraud were advised to immediately contact the Cyber Crime Helpline 1930 or lodge a complaint through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.
The second session turned the spotlight on the growing threat posed by drugs and narcotic substances. SI A. Santhosh sensitised students about the damaging effects of drug abuse and addiction, besides explaining the legal consequences of the possession, consumption, transportation, sale and trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances under the NDPS Act.
The officers underlined that drug abuse can have consequences extending far beyond physical health, affecting education, careers, family relationships and the wider social environment. Students were encouraged to resist peer pressure, make informed choices and adopt a healthy and responsible lifestyle. The police also urged students to share credible information about drug peddling and other narcotics-related activities with law-enforcement agencies.
The programme also provided an interactive platform for students to directly engage with police officers and raise questions about emerging cyber threats and the dangers of substance abuse. The awareness drive reinforced the police message that prevention begins with awareness—and that vigilance, whether online or in everyday life, can be the first line of defence.
