Maharashtra CM Fadnavis Launches ‘Garuda Drishti’ to Detect Fraudulent Activities Through Social Media

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis launches ‘Garuda Drishti’ cyber intelligence project to combat social media misuse and cyber financial fraud

News:

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the ‘Garuda Drishti’ social media monitoring and cyber intelligence project aimed at curbing communal hatred, hate speech, fake news, threats, drug trafficking, and cyber financial fraud propagated via social media platforms. The project also facilitates identification and immediate action against offenders. At an event held at Police Bhavan, Nagpur, the CM distributed ₹10 crore recovered from cyber financial crimes to the victims. He urged citizens to remain vigilant, especially against foreign-operated financial frauds, and encouraged victims to report incidents via helpline numbers 1930 and 1945. The system is expected to be upgraded in the future to enhance its scope and effectiveness.

Analysis

Introduction:

The launch of ‘Garuda Drishti’ by Maharashtra represents a significant step towards using advanced cyber intelligence and social media monitoring to address the misuse of digital platforms that threaten social harmony and financial security.Background:

Social media platforms, while democratizing information access, have become vulnerable to exploitation by anti-social elements spreading communal hatred, misinformation, and facilitating cybercrime. Financial scams targeting citizens through these channels have also increased, often orchestrated by foreign entities.Objectives:

To monitor social media for hate speech, fake news, threats, and criminal activities such as drug trafficking.
To track and identify perpetrators rapidly and facilitate timely law enforcement actions.
To prevent and detect cyber financial frauds, with mechanisms to compensate victims through recovered funds.
To sensitize and empower citizens to recognize and report cyber fraud.

Key Features:

Real-time social media surveillance integrated with cyber intelligence tools.
Mechanism for distribution of recovered financial fraud amounts to victims.
Public helplines (1930 and 1945) for timely reporting and assistance.
Planned enhancement of technology and capacity for improved detection and tracking.

Significance:

Strengthens law enforcement’s capacity to maintain communal harmony by curbing digital platforms’ misuse.
Enhances public trust through restitution of defrauded amounts and proactive governance.
Aligns with national cybersecurity goals, reinforcing safe digital environments.
Promotes inclusive citizen participation in cybercrime prevention.

Challenges:

Rapid evolution of cyber threats requires continuous technological updates.
Balancing monitoring with protection of free speech and privacy rights.
Ensuring widespread public awareness and effective use of helpline services.
Coordinating across jurisdictions and agencies, especially for cross-border cybercrimes.

Way Forward:

Incorporate AI and machine learning for predictive cyber threat analysis.
Strengthen legal frameworks and faster prosecution mechanisms for cyber offenders.
Expand public education campaigns on digital literacy and fraud prevention.
Foster partnerships with technology firms and international bodies to combat cybercrime.

Conclusion:

‘Garuda Drishti’ symbolizes Maharashtra’s commitment to harnessing technology to safeguard social peace and financial security in the digital age. The project is a model for integrating technological innovation with governance and citizen engagement, crucial for India’s evolving cyber landscape.

Updated August 10, 2025, 9:15 PM | Source: NewsOnAir