People whose bank accounts are blocked during cybercrime investigations can now seek assistance from a dedicated helpdesk launched by the Karnataka Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
Operating under the Cyber Command centre at CID headquarters, the helpdesk will address grievances from account holders whose transactions may have been linked to cybercrime or suspected mule-account networks. It will bring account holders, banks and investigating agencies together to review the reasons for a freeze and determine whether the entire account needs to remain blocked.
If only a specific amount is suspected to be linked to a crime, officials will assess whether a lien on that amount can be used instead of a complete debit freeze.
The initiative follows Karnataka High Court intervention in such cases. During a June 22 hearing in Selladurai vs Reserve Bank of India and Others, Justice Suraj Govindaraj called for a grievance-redressal mechanism. The court appointed Dr Pronab Mohanty, Director General of Police, Cyber Command, as nodal officer.
The court also asked investigating officers to specify lien amounts, record reasons for complete freezes, standardise freezing and de-freezing procedures and periodically review freeze orders.
Mohanty said, “The helpdesk will essentially function as a mediation centre, helping people understand why their bank accounts have been frozen and identifying possible ways to resolve the issue.”
He added, “If the freezing order has been issued by the Karnataka Police, we can examine the reasons behind it and, where appropriate, help expedite the process. If it has come from another state, we can coordinate with the concerned authorities there and also take up the matter with the bank. In each case, we will assess whether the entire account needs to remain frozen or whether placing a lien would be sufficient.”
The helpdesk is operating experimentally and has held 4 Thursday sessions. Around 7-8 Karnataka cases have been resolved, while cases from other states remain pending.
The CID is also using the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre’s Grievance Redressal Module.
Karnataka recorded 6.11 lakh cybercrime cases involving Rs 2,915 crore in losses in 2024, compared with Rs 660 crore in 2023. Between December 2025 and February 2026, 60 FIRs linked 869 accounts to cybercrime, while 8,788 complaints were received. A crackdown led to 68 alleged mule-account handlers being arrested across 35 locations.
Up to November 15, 2025, Bengaluru recorded 9,326 cases and Rs 1,543 crore in losses, with 716 cases solved. Karnataka recorded 13,000 cases, Rs 2,038.85 crore in losses and Rs 127 crore recovered.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
Do Follow: The Mainstream LinkedIn | The Mainstream Facebook | The Mainstream Youtube | The Mainstream Twitter
About us:
The Mainstream is a premier platform delivering the latest updates and informed perspectives across the technology business and cyber landscape. Built on research-driven, thought leadership and original intellectual property, The Mainstream also curates summits & conferences that convene decision makers to explore how technology reshapes industries and leadership. With a growing presence in India and globally across the Middle East, Africa, ASEAN, the USA, the UK and Australia, The Mainstream carries a vision to bring the latest happenings and insights to 8.2 billion people and to place technology at the centre of conversation for leaders navigating the future.