Mauni Amavasya, which was held on January 29, 2025, holds profound spiritual significance, especially when it coincides with the Mahakumbh like this year. This day marks the new moon and emphasizes the power of silence (Maun). Devotees engage in Shraddha rituals to honour ancestors and participate in sacred holy bath in the holy rivers during the Mahakumbh for seeking purification and blessings.

This year it got even sacred when nearly about 8 crore devotees took a dip in the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. On this occasion, flower shower was done from helicopter by the Uttar Pradesh government, which made the whole atmosphere devotional. In this unique moment, Shahi Snan presented a confluence of both purity and tradition. But as soon as this spiritual event was over, a new and worrying face of cyber crimes came to the force, which created surge in malicious activities due to which religious observances are increasingly targeted. Scams during these religious events, especially like, Spreading hate news and rumours, illegal selling of videos of women holy bath, fake domain and phishing campaign, attempts to defame Mahakumbh 2025 exploit devotees’ faith. This dark side necessitates vigilance. Online safety tips for devotees are crucial to protect against financial losses and data breaches during these sacred times.

In the midst of these circumstances, the Uttar Pradesh Cyber Cell, in conjunction with our company’s cyber security expert team, responded with commendable diligence and decisiveness, taking decisive action against the perpetrators in Prayagraj. Throughout the campaign, three key portals developed by the Government of India for cybercrime reporting and monitoring proved instrumental.

• National Cyber ​​Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP):

This portal streamlines cybercrime reporting for citizens, acting as a central digital hub for lodging complaints with relevant law enforcement. Key features include a simplified reporting process, informative resources to enhance awareness, and expedited action on submitted complaints.

• JIMS Portal

This portal systematically catalogs and updates cybercrime data, categorized according to the Cyber Crime Branch’s framework. This organized approach facilitates a deeper understanding of cybercrime typologies and evolving patterns.

• Pratibimb Portal

The Pratibimb portal, an initiative of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Government of India, serves as a crucial resource for law enforcement. It facilitates the collection of cybercriminal intelligence, aids in suspect identification, and ensures timely updates on arrested individuals, typically within 48 hours of complaint registration.