When bank clerk Nitu Y. realized she'd been scammed out of ₹3 million through a fake investment app, filing her police complaint took just 15 minutes—not the weeks or months typical in cybercrime cases. Within a week, investigators had traced her funds across 40 to 50 different banks, a process that previously consumed two to three months.
The difference? MahaCrimeOS, an artificial intelligence-powered investigation platform that Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella formally unveiled on December 12, 2025, at the company's AI Tour in Mumbai.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced plans to expand MahaCrimeOS from its current 23 police stations in Nagpur to all 1,100 police stations across the state, making Maharashtra India's first state with a fully AI-powered cybercrime investigation infrastructure.
India's Cybercrime Crisis: Why MahaCrimeOS Matters Now
India is experiencing an unprecedented surge in cybercrime that's overwhelming traditional law enforcement capabilities. According to a parliamentary response by the Ministry of Home Affairs on December 2, 2025, the numbers reveal an alarming trend:
- 2.27 million cybercrime incidents were reported to the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) in 2024—a 42.08% increase from 2023
- Citizens lost ₹22,845.73 crore (approximately $2.7 billion) to cyber fraud in 2024 alone
- Cybercrime incidents surged from 10.29 lakh in 2022 to 22.68 lakh in 2024
The fraud landscape encompasses investment scams that promise unrealistic returns, "digital arrest" schemes where criminals impersonate law enforcement through video calls, fake trading apps, fraudulent loan applications, romance scams, and cryptocurrency theft.
Many victims are ordinary citizens with limited digital literacy, making them vulnerable to increasingly sophisticated social engineering attacks often orchestrated from organized crime networks in Southeast Asian countries.
What Is MahaCrimeOS?
MahaCrimeOS (Maharashtra Crime Operating System) is a cloud-native, AI-powered investigation platform built on Microsoft Azure and Microsoft OpenAI Service, utilizing the Microsoft Foundry.
Developed by Hyderabad-based cybersecurity firm CyberEye in partnership with MARVEL (Maharashtra Advanced Research and Vigilance for Enforcement of Reformed Laws) and the Microsoft India Development Center, MahaCrimeOS functions as an intelligent digital copilot for investigating officers.
The platform augments—rather than replaces—human investigators by automating tedious administrative tasks and providing AI-assisted guidance throughout the investigation lifecycle.
According to officials at the launch event, MahaCrimeOS reduces investigation turnaround times by 80%, enabling officers to handle seven to eight cases monthly compared to just one previously.
Key Components of MahaCrimeOS
MahaCrimeOS integrates several technological components:
- Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service: Powers natural language processing and generative AI capabilities
- Microsoft Foundry: Handles model orchestration, governance, and multi-agent workflow management
- CyberEye's Domain Modules: Provides evidence ingestion, multilingual extraction, and case-linking logic
- MARVEL's Police Protocols: Embeds Maharashtra-specific investigation procedures and legal frameworks
- Secure Cloud Infrastructure: Offers role-based access control, audit logging, and chain-of-custody protection
How MahaCrimeOS Works: Core Features Explained
MahaCrimeOS addresses three critical bottlenecks in cybercrime investigations through AI-powered automation:
1. Instant Digital Case Creation and Multilingual Data Extraction
When a cybercrime complaint arrives—whether it's a handwritten note in Marathi, a PDF bank statement, screenshots of text messages, or social media evidence—MahaCrimeOS automatically extracts and organizes all relevant information in minutes. The AI assistant processes evidence in English, Hindi, and Marathi, identifying:
- Names and personal identifiers
- Bank account numbers and transaction details
- Phone numbers and IMEI numbers
- URLs and social media handles
- IP addresses and digital timestamps
This multilingual capability is transformative for Maharashtra's diverse policing environment. Assistant Investigator Sangita Gawande, who works with Nagpur Rural police, has seen her monthly caseload jump from 2-3 cases to 200 cases.
"Before, I wouldn't have had the time to get to certain cases," she explained. "Now I'm confident and less stressed because I can complete my reports quickly and have time to look at each case."
2. Automated Legal Workflows and Document Generation
One of the most time-consuming aspects of cybercrime investigation is drafting legally compliant notices to banks, telecommunications companies, and social media platforms. MahaCrimeOS generates standardized legal notices requesting:
- Account freezes for suspect bank accounts
- Call detail records from telecommunications providers
- IP address information and subscriber details
- Social media account takedowns
- Digital evidence preservation orders
Assistant Police Inspector Ashish Singh Thakur, who handled Nitu's case, explained the transformation: "With a few clicks, I can request the call detail records of multiple numbers.
I don't have to draft the letters; they've been drafted by MahaCrimeOS. And I don't have to worry about missing out information or making mistakes in my letters, and having to start all over again."
3. Investigation Pathway Guidance Using AI and Legal Intelligence
Using retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) technology, MahaCrimeOS accesses India's criminal laws and Maharashtra police investigation protocols to suggest next steps. The Investigation Copilot within MahaCrimeOS:
- Links related cases across districts by identifying common phone numbers, bank accounts, or modus operandi
- Analyzes case information to generate automated workflows
- Provides contextual legal guidance throughout the investigation
- Suggests open-source intelligence gathering strategies
- Maps criminal locations and crime infrastructure geographically
Harssh Poddar, Superintendent of Police for Nagpur Rural and CEO of MARVEL, emphasized the confidence-building aspect: "Now they have a digital companion... It certainly builds a lot of professional capability, which in turn serves as a midwife for more self-confidence and much better decision-making for officers at all levels."
Real-World Impact: How MahaCrimeOS Changes Investigations
The impact of MahaCrimeOS extends beyond speed metrics to fundamentally transform how investigations function:
Dramatic Productivity Increases
Assistant Police Inspector Ashish Singh Thakur's monthly caseload increased from one case to seven or eight—a 700% productivity improvement. This multiplication effect means that the Maharashtra police can handle the exponential growth in cybercrime cases without proportionate increases in staffing.
Confidence Building for Investigators
According to Superintendent Poddar, some investigators "almost froze" when confronted with complex cybercrime cases before MahaCrimeOS, waiting for senior officers to provide detailed instructions. Now they're more autonomous and effective, with the AI copilot providing step-by-step guidance through complex procedures.
Pattern Recognition Across Jurisdictions
By standardizing data formats and automatically extracting entities, MahaCrimeOS helps investigators spot connections between seemingly unrelated cases across different districts. Criminal networks often operate across multiple jurisdictions—a capability that traditional siloed investigation methods struggle to detect.
India's Comprehensive Anti-Cybercrime Ecosystem
MahaCrimeOS operates within a comprehensive ecosystem of anti-cybercrime initiatives coordinated by the Ministry of Home Affairs through the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C). The federal government has implemented several national-level measures:
National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP)
The NCRP portal serves as India's centralized platform for reporting all types of cybercrime, with special focus on crimes against women and children. Citizens can file complaints online 24/7, and the portal automatically routes cases to appropriate jurisdictions.
Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting System (CFCFRMS)
The toll-free helpline 1930 enables immediate reporting of financial fraud for real-time account freezing. According to the December 2025 parliamentary response, CFCFRMS has saved over ₹7,130 crore across more than 23.02 lakh complaints—a remarkable success rate demonstrating the importance of rapid response.
Suspect Registry and Mule Account Detection
The I4C launched a Suspect Registry on September 10, 2024, in collaboration with banks and financial institutions. The registry has shared data on 18.43 lakh suspect identifiers and 24.67 lakh mule accounts with participating entities, preventing fraudulent transactions worth ₹8,031.56 crore.
Mule accounts—bank accounts created using forged KYC documents or misused without the legitimate account holder's knowledge—are critical infrastructure for laundering illicit funds. By identifying and freezing these accounts early, authorities can dismantle organized financial cybercrime networks before the funds are dispersed.
Infrastructure Disruption
As of the parliamentary response, more than 11.14 lakh SIM cards and 2.96 lakh IMEIs reported by police authorities have been blocked. Additionally, I4C proactively identified and blocked more than 3,962 Skype IDs and 83,668 WhatsApp accounts used for digital arrest scams.
Samanvaya Platform and Pratibimb Module
The Samanvaya Platform provides data sharing and analytics across law enforcement agencies nationwide. Its Pratibimb module maps criminal locations and crime infrastructure on a geographic interface, giving jurisdictional officers visibility into criminal operations. This coordination has led to the arrest of 16,840 accused individuals and 1.05 lakh cyber investigation assistance requests.
Training and Capacity Building
Over 1,05,796 police officers are now registered on the CyTrain portal, with more than 82,704 certificates issued for cybercrime investigation training. National Cyber Forensic Laboratories have been established in New Delhi and Assam, with the Delhi lab alone providing forensic support in 12,952 cybercrime cases.
Public Awareness Campaigns
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed digital arrest scams during his "Mann Ki Baat" radio program on October 27, 2024, directly educating citizens about this emerging threat. The Department of Telecommunications launched a caller tune campaign in December 2024, broadcasting cybercrime awareness messages in English, Hindi, and 10 regional languages across all telecom service providers.
The I4C runs dedicated social media accounts on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, and Telegram under the @CyberDost handle to disseminate fraud alerts and safety information. A weekly show called "Cyber-Alert" runs on DD News (nation TV channel) starting from July 19, 2025, for 52 weeks.
The Statewide Expansion: Scaling MahaCrimeOS to 1,100 Stations
Expanding MahaCrimeOS from 23 pilot police stations in Nagpur to all 1,100 police stations across Maharashtra represents a massive operational undertaking. The expansion requires:
Training Infrastructure
Every investigator must receive hands-on training to use MahaCrimeOS effectively and interpret AI outputs appropriately. MARVEL and Microsoft are developing comprehensive training programs that include digital evidence best practices, legal procedures, and forensic standards.
Technical Infrastructure
Urban and rural police stations have varying levels of internet connectivity. The statewide rollout must handle rural connectivity challenges, provide offline-capable features where necessary, and integrate with legacy systems used by banks, telecommunications companies, and judicial bodies.
Data Governance Framework
MahaCrimeOS processes extraordinarily sensitive information—financial records, personal communications, and details of ongoing investigations. Robust data protection mechanisms, clear retention policies, access controls, and oversight authority are essential for maintaining public trust.
Chief Minister Fadnavis positioned the rollout as part of a broader vision for AI-enabled governance: "Ethical and responsible AI for public good is our core motto. Our collaboration with Microsoft began with solving complex cybercrime challenges, but its potential is far greater. AI today touches every sphere of human activity, from healthcare and agriculture to industry and governance, and we intend to harness this power responsibly to create a more effective, citizen-centric state."
What Citizens Need to Know: Protecting Yourself from Cybercrime
While MahaCrimeOS helps police investigate cybercrimes more effectively, prevention remains the best defense. Here are essential safety measures:
For Financial Fraud Prevention
- Never share OTPs, PINs, or CVV numbers—no legitimate organization will request these
- Verify investment platforms through regulatory bodies like SEBI before investing
- Be skeptical of guaranteed high returns or "limited time" investment offers
- Use the 1930 helpline immediately if you suspect fraud—every minute matters for freezing accounts
For Digital Arrest and Impersonation Scams
- Real law enforcement never conducts arrests via video call
- Government agencies don't demand immediate payment via UPI or cryptocurrency
- If someone claims to be from a government agency, hang up and call the official number from the organization's verified website
- Never download apps or share screen access with unknown callers
For General Cyber Hygiene
- Enable two-factor authentication on all financial and email accounts
- Keep devices updated with security patches
- Use unique, strong passwords for different accounts (consider a password manager)
- Be cautious about personal information shared on social media
- Regularly monitor bank statements and credit reports for unusual activity
- Verify URLs before clicking links in emails or messages
If you become a victim, report immediately through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal or call 1930. For financial fraud, early reporting dramatically increases the chances of freezing suspect accounts before funds are transferred beyond recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions About MahaCrimeOS
What is MahaCrimeOS?
MahaCrimeOS (Maharashtra Crime Operating System) is an AI-powered cybercrime investigation platform built on Microsoft Azure, helping police officers investigate digital crimes more efficiently and effectively. It automates administrative tasks, provides legal guidance, and links related cases across jurisdictions.
How does MahaCrimeOS work?
MahaCrimeOS uses artificial intelligence to automatically extract information from complaint documents, generate legal notices, and suggest investigation pathways. The platform processes evidence in multiple languages (English, Hindi, Marathi), creates standardized case files, and provides step-by-step guidance to investigators through an AI copilot interface.
Which police stations currently use MahaCrimeOS?
MahaCrimeOS is currently operational in 23 police stations in Nagpur district. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced plans to expand the platform to all 1,100 police stations across Maharashtra, making it the first statewide AI policing platform in India.
How much faster are investigations with MahaCrimeOS?
According to officials, MahaCrimeOS reduces investigation turnaround times by 80%. Tasks that previously took two to three months can now be completed in about a week. Individual investigators have increased their monthly caseload from one case to seven or eight cases.
What are the key features of MahaCrimeOS?
Key features of MahaCrimeOS include:
- Instant digital case file creation
- Multilingual data extraction (English, Hindi, Marathi)
- Automated legal notice generation
- AI-powered investigation pathway suggestions
- Automatic linking of related cases
- Integration with India's criminal laws through RAG technology
- Secure cloud infrastructure with audit logging
Who developed MahaCrimeOS?
MahaCrimeOS was developed through a collaboration between:
- CyberEye: Hyderabad-based cybersecurity and IoT firm (primary developer)
- MARVEL: Maharashtra government's Special Purpose Vehicle for AI innovation
- Microsoft India Development Center: Cloud infrastructure and AI services provider
Can citizens access MahaCrimeOS to file complaints?
No, MahaCrimeOS is a police investigation tool, not a public-facing complaint portal. Citizens should file cybercrime complaints through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal or call the toll-free helpline 1930. Police then use MahaCrimeOS to investigate these complaints.
How does MahaCrimeOS handle data privacy and security?
MahaCrimeOS runs on Microsoft Azure with built-in security features, including:
- Role-based access controls limit who can view case data
- Audit logging for chain-of-custody maintenance
- Encryption for data in transit and at rest
- Microsoft Defender for Cloud security monitoring
- Compliance with Indian data protection regulations
What languages does MahaCrimeOS support?
MahaCrimeOS currently supports three languages: English, Hindi, and Marathi. The platform can extract information from documents in any of these languages, including handwritten notes, typed documents, and screenshots.
Can MahaCrimeOS replace human investigators?
No, MahaCrimeOS is designed to augment human investigators, not replace them. The AI copilot suggests investigation pathways and automates administrative tasks, but human officers make all final decisions, conduct field investigations, and maintain responsibility for case outcomes.
What types of cybercrimes can MahaCrimeOS assist in investigating?
MahaCrimeOS is designed to assist with all types of cybercrime investigations, including:
- Financial fraud and banking scams
- Investment scams and Ponzi schemes
- Digital arrest and impersonation schemes
- Romance scams and catfishing
- Cryptocurrency theft
- Social media fraud
- Online harassment and cyberbullying
- Identity theft
How does MahaCrimeOS integrate with banks and telecom companies?
MahaCrimeOS generates standardized legal notices that comply with Indian law for requesting information from banks, telecommunications providers, and social media platforms. These notices can be sent electronically, reducing response times from weeks to days.
Will other Indian states adopt MahaCrimeOS?
Maharashtra officials have positioned MahaCrimeOS as "a model that can scale across India." Other states like Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu, with significant cybercrime burdens, may adopt similar platforms, though each would need customization for local legal frameworks and languages.
How can I report a cybercrime in India?
To report cybercrime in India:
- Visit cybercrime.gov.in to file an online complaint
- Call the toll-free helpline 1930 for financial fraud
- Visit your nearest police station to file an FIR
- For financial fraud, act immediately—every minute matters for freezing suspect accounts
What is the Investigation Copilot in MahaCrimeOS?
The Investigation Copilot is an AI assistant within MahaCrimeOS that guides officers through investigation procedures. It analyzes case information, suggests next steps based on legal requirements, provides access to relevant statutes, and facilitates the linking of related cases across jurisdictions.
Does MahaCrimeOS use machine learning?
Yes, MahaCrimeOS uses advanced machine learning and natural language processing through Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service. It employs retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) technology to access legal databases and police protocols, ensuring AI recommendations are grounded in verified sources rather than hallucinated information.
How is MahaCrimeOS different from the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal?
The National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) is a complaint-filing system where citizens report cybercrimes. MahaCrimeOS is an investigation tool used by police after complaints are filed. Think of NCRP as the front door where citizens report crimes, and MahaCrimeOS as the investigation workshop where police solve them.
The Future of AI-Powered Policing in India
MahaCrimeOS represents a significant milestone in India's fight against cybercrime. As Puneet Chandok, President of Microsoft India & South Asia, stated: "By combining the scale of Microsoft Azure with cutting-edge AI capabilities, we're empowering every officer in Maharashtra to investigate faster, smarter, and more securely. This is not just about technology—it's about building trust, protecting citizens, and setting a new benchmark for digital safety in India."
The platform's success will ultimately be measured not just by investigation speed, but by prosecution rates, asset recovery, and sustained public trust. As cybercriminals increasingly leverage AI to enhance their operations—from deepfake video calls to automated phishing campaigns—law enforcement needs every technological advantage available.
MahaCrimeOS is one of the most comprehensive attempts yet to level the playing field between sophisticated criminal networks and resource-constrained law enforcement agencies. Its expansion across Maharashtra will provide valuable lessons for AI-augmented policing at scale, with implications extending far beyond India's borders.
For the latest updates on cybercrime prevention tips, follow @CyberDost on social media or visit cybercrime.gov.in