Telangana Police Refund Rs 139.68 Crore to Cyber Fraud Victims in 2026
The Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) has facilitated the refund of Rs 139.68 crore to 24,189 cyber fraud victims during 2026, among the largest restitution drives by any state police force. The Bureau used the Lok Adalat mechanism to obtain quick, court-approved release of money frozen in fraudsters' accounts, avoiding the delays of regular criminal trials. Rapid reporting through the national cyber financial fraud helpline 1930 and the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal allows banks to freeze transfers before the money is withdrawn. Telangana was the first Indian state to establish a dedicated cyber security bureau, set up in 2023.
Lok Adalats are statutory forums under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987; their awards are deemed decrees of a civil court and are not appealable | The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs runs the 1930 helpline and cybercrime.gov.in | Telangana was formed on 2 June 2014 as India's 29th state, with Hyderabad as its capital