Bajaj Finance’s ArthsutraSamvad raises awareness on financial literacy and cyber safety
Leh : With cyber fraud emerging as a growing financial threat in Ladakh, Leh Police has urged residents to immediately report online financial fraud by dialling 1930, stressing that reporting within the first 60 minutes can improve the chances of tracing and blocking the defrauded money.
The advisory was issued during Bajaj Finance Ltd’s Arthsutra Samvad, a financial literacy and cyber-safety awareness programme held at ChuchotYokma Panchayat Ghar, Government Higher Secondary School Chuchot and Panchayat GharPhayang.
The programme brought together cyber police officials, students, women representatives, village leaders and youth representatives, with discussions focusing on responsible financial practices, digital transactions and precautions against online fraud.
According to the latest official figures released by the Ladakh Administration, 1,077 cybercrime complaints involving approximately ₹10 crore were reported in Ladakh during 2021–2026.
The figures indicate a sharp increase in reported cases, with complaints rising from 43 in 2022 to 366 in 2025, underscoring the growing scale of the cyber-fraud challenge and the need for prompt reporting.
SHO Shamim Ahmed, Cyber In-charge, Leh, said the first hour after a cyber fraud is crucial for initiating efforts to trace the transaction and prevent further movement of funds.
“Cyber fraud has become a serious concern in Ladakh. The first 60 minutes are the golden hour. If a victim reports the fraud on 1930 within this period, it significantly increases the chances of tracing and blocking the money,” he said.
He urged victims not to delay reporting incidents or hesitate out of embarrassment.
“The moment a person realises that money has been lost through a digital transaction, they should dial 1930. Do not delay reporting or try to resolve the matter yourself. The faster the information reaches the authorities, the greater the possibility of stopping the movement of the money,” Ahmed said.
The Ladakh Administration has also taken steps to strengthen the institutional response to cybercrime. Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena has approved the establishment of a dedicated Cyber Police Station in Ladakh, which will have jurisdiction across the Union Territory.
The proposed facility is intended to strengthen the response to increasing cyber-related offences, including financial fraud, online scams, digital arrest cases and identity theft.
During the ArthsutraSamvad programme, participants were sensitised about common forms of digital fraud and the importance of protecting banking credentials, passwords, one-time passwords and other sensitive financial information.
The programme also highlighted the need for greater financial literacy, particularly among students, women and residents of rural and remote communities who are increasingly using digital financial services.
Police officials reiterated that immediate reporting remains critical in cyber-fraud cases, while citizens were encouraged to remain vigilant when receiving unsolicited calls, messages, links or requests for financial information.
