Abhishek Modi, an IPS officer from the 2011 batch of the West Bengal cadre, currently serves as the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) for the Cyber Crime Department of Kolkata Police. Known for his technical expertise and no-nonsense approach, Modi is deeply committed to safeguarding citizens from cyber fraud. His proactive efforts to raise public awareness reflect his belief that “knowledge is the best defence against cyber threats.”
Modi’s journey into law enforcement began after completing his B.Tech in Electrical Engineering from IIT Bombay. Despite starting his career at a networking firm, he felt a stronger calling to serve society, prompting him to pursue the Civil Services examination while managing a full-time job. His discipline and perseverance during this period laid the foundation for his successful career in public service.
The Journey in Bureaucracy
Abhishek Modi challenges the concept that humanities graduates have an edge in civil services. He believes the examination process is balanced, offering equal opportunities to all academic disciplines. As an engineering graduate, his technical background proved advantageous, particularly when choosing Mathematics as one of his core papers—a decision that played a key role in his success.
Modi’s law enforcement career began in 2013 as the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) in the Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate. He went on to serve in Malda, Cooch Behar, Asansol Durgapur Commissionerate, and later as Superintendent of Police (SP) in Jalpaiguri. Returning to the plains, he was posted in Barrackpore before assuming the role of Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) in the Asansol Durgapur Commissionerate once again. Each posting exposes him to diverse challenges, from managing rural and semi-urban law enforcement to tackling border security issues. His role as DCP in the Cyber Crime Department marks a critical phase in his career, where he combines technical expertise with public service to tackle digital threats.
Every assignment has deepened his commitment to upholding justice, ensuring public safety, and protecting the rights of citizens, reinforcing his dedication to serving the community with integrity and purpose. His leadership in cyber policing reflects his mission to ensure a safer digital environment for all.
Personal Management – Handling Stress
Police professionals often face immense pressure, requiring resilience and effective stress management. Abhishek Modi relies on several activities to maintain balance. Reading, particularly motivational and technical books, provides mental rejuvenation and inspiration. His interest in badminton helps him stay fit while unwinding after long hours of work, and cooking offers a creative escape that helps him relax.
Despite a demanding work schedule, these hobbies enable Modi to recharge and maintain focus, teaching him that a healthy mind and body are essential, especially in high-stress fields like law enforcement.
Cybercrime
Cybercrime has become one of the most dynamic and complex forms of crime, requiring specialised expertise. With his engineering background, Abhishek Modi is well-equipped to understand the technical intricacies of cybercrime. One major challenge is the gap in technical knowledge among many police officers, which can hinder cyber investigations. To address this, law enforcement agencies are actively working to enhance their technical skills through specialised training programmes. Abhishek is committed to continually upgrading his own skills to stay ahead of the evolving cyber threat landscape.
Raising Awareness Among Vulnerable Groups
Cybercriminals often target vulnerable groups such as senior citizens or those unfamiliar with technology. Common forms of cybercrime affecting these individuals include:
Spam Calls and Phishing: Fraudsters posing as bank officials or service providers to steal sensitive information.
Malicious Software: Harmful links sent through emails or messages that install malware on devices.
Fake Calls and Social Engineering: Criminals exploiting trust to extort money or sensitive information.
Abhishek emphasises the importance of educating the public, especially the elderly, on these threats. He believes that increasing awareness can significantly reduce the risks associated with digital vulnerabilities.
The Threat of Sextortion
Sextortion has become a significant threat in the world of cybercrime, where criminals use AI and software to create fake or altered images and videos of victims. These are used to blackmail individuals for money or other demands. Victims often feel ashamed and are reluctant to report the crime, allowing perpetrators to continue their exploitation.
Abhishek Urges Victims to:
Report Immediately: Quick reporting increases the chances of apprehending criminals.
Avoid Paying: Paying only encourages further exploitation.
Seek Support: Share the incident with trusted friends or family to receive emotional support.
With AI making it easier to create convincing fake content, Abhishek stresses the importance of awareness and prompt reporting in combating sextortion.
Report Calls Claiming Digital Arrest
The rise of ‘Digital Arrest’ scams is another troubling development in cybercrime. These scams, often originating from countries like China and the UAE, prey on people’s confusion about legal processes. Fraudsters claim to be law enforcement officials and demand money to avoid a supposed digital arrest.
Abhishek reminds the public that digital arrest has no legal basis. Arrests require formal procedures, including documentation and in-person interaction.
Key Points to Remember:
Digital Arrest is Fake: If you receive such calls, it is a scam.
Police Procedures are Transparent: Arrests must adhere to legal protocols.
No Money Demands: Legitimate law enforcement will never ask for money over the phone.
What to Do:
Report the Incident: Immediately contact the nearest police station or cybercrime unit.
Do Not Engage: Never share personal or financial information with the caller.
File an Official Complaint: Provide details such as the caller’s number and any demands made.
Fraudsters evolve their tactics continuously, often impersonating law enforcement to create a sense of urgency and fear. Awareness and prompt reporting are essential to protect individuals and communities from such scams.
The Uniform
Wearing the uniform has been a transformative experience for Abhishek Modi. It has instilled a sense of discipline, empathy, and responsibility in him. The uniform represents not just authority but a deep sense of duty to serve the community. It has kept him humble, emphasising service over self, and has allowed him to help the marginalised and vulnerable, ensuring justice, security, and hope.
For Abhishek, the uniform is not just a symbol of his profession; it is a way of life that demands integrity, commitment, and compassion. It serves as a constant reminder that their actions and decisions have the power to shape lives, protect communities, and uphold justice. The uniform represents the privilege and responsibility of serving with honour, guiding officers like Abhishek in their mission to make a positive difference in society.
