Barmer, June 28 -- Despite an alarming surge in cybercrime, cyber police stations across western Rajasthan remain largely plagued by a severe lack of trained personnel, modern equipment, and technical resources. With no cyber experts and minimal digital forensic capabilities, even basic investigations are delayed or derailed. As a result, most cases remain pending for months, leaving victims without answers and offenders untraced. According to NCRB data, Rajasthan reports around 1,500 cybercrime cases annually. Among these, 47.25% are financial frauds, 30.16% involve UPI fraud, 12% are related to social media, and 11% pertain to sexual harassment. Over the past three years, people have lost Rs.1,581 crore to cyber scams. Police managed to freeze Rs.676 crore in time, preventing further losses. As per official records, Rajasthan registered 1,354 cases in 2020, which rose to 1,504 in 2021 and 1,833 in 2022-highlighting a steady upward trend. However, despite this growing threat, cyber police stations are struggling to mount an effective response due to a significant shortage of technical equipment, trained personnel, and adequate budget allocations. In 2019, the Cyber Crime Investigation Unit was established under the SOG Jaipur, followed by the formation of the State Cyber Crime Coordination Cell, and eventually cyber police stations at each district headquarters. But even after more than two years, the lack of technical resources and trained professionals continues to deny justice to victims-especially in border districts like Barmer and Jaisalmer, where the cyber police stations exist only on paper. Barmer's cyber police station has registered 16 cybercrime cases over the past one and a half years, police said. While one or two arrests have been made, the majority of cases remain unresolved. The deputy post lies vacant, and the station functions with just one Circle Inspector (CI), two head constables, and five constables-none of whom are cyber experts. Instead of high-end laptops and forensic tools, the station operates using basic computers. "Solving cybercrime cases requires trained experts, which we do not have," said Hanumantsingh, SHO of the Barmer Cyber Police Station. In Jaisalmer, the situation is equally grim. Fifteen cybercrime cases have been registered, none of which have been solved so far. The post of deputy is held as an additional charge, and although one CI and seven staff members are posted, none are cyber specialists. "Modern equipment and software are essential to investigate cybercrimes, but these are not available. We neither have the tools nor trained personnel," said Inspector Ugamraj Soni from the Jaisalmer Cyber Police Station. "Most accused are based in other states, and tracing them requires both budget and mobility-both of which we lack." In Jalore, the cyber police station is operating without a designated in-charge. Only two head constables and five constables are posted. Just one case has been registered this year, which remains unresolved. In Pali, even though the station has adequate staff, including a deputy and a CI, the lack of cyber experts continues to hinder investigations. Inspector Ugamraj Soni further pointed out that most cybercriminals operate from outside Rajasthan-in states such as West Bengal, Bihar, Assam, Maharashtra, Delhi, and Haryana. Tracking and arresting a single accused can cost more than Rs.50,000, yet the cyber police stations have neither a dedicated budget nor even basic vehicles. Without experts, technology, and funds, police officers remain handicapped despite their best efforts. Responding to the issue, Vikas Kumar, Inspector General of the Jodhpur Range, told HT, "It is entirely a policy matter, and only the Police Headquarters can take action in this regard."...