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Chandigarh : In a decisive push to counter the rising menace of cybercrime, threatening calls, and digital extortion, Haryana Police has unveiled ‘Abhedya’, a first-of-its-kind mobile-based security platform in India designed to shield citizens from suspicious communication and online harassment.

Launched at the Police Headquarters in Panchkula, the app marks a significant leap in technology-driven policing, positioning Haryana as a pioneer in proactive digital law enforcement.

Tech-driven policing gets sharper edge

Addressing the media, Director General of Police (DGP) Haryana, Ajay Singhal, described ‘Abhedya’ as a “protective digital shield” in an era where criminals increasingly exploit internet-based calling, spoofed numbers, and encrypted platforms to intimidate and defraud citizens.

He emphasised that the initiative aligns with Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini’s “zero tolerance” policy against crime, under which Haryana Police has intensified its crackdown on extortion networks.

“Those attempting to create fear or terror through such means will be dealt with strictly and treated at par with serious offenders,” the DGP asserted.

How ‘Abhedya’ works

The app is designed as an intelligent filter between users and potential threats. Its key capabilities include:

• Real-time detection and blocking of suspicious calls and messages
• Monitoring of international, virtual, and unknown numbers
• Automatic rejection of high-risk communication before it reaches users
• Deletion of suspicious chats, voice notes, and notifications
• Backend tracking of offenders by police even as users remain shielded

By eliminating exposure to threatening content at the source, the app not only enhances physical safety but also reduces psychological stress among users.

Built in-house, tested for impact

In a notable achievement, ‘Abhedya’ has been developed entirely in-house by Haryana Police’s technical teams. The app was rigorously tested among 25 selected users and demonstrated strong effectiveness before its public rollout.

Singhal highlighted that while domestic calls are relatively easier to trace, international and virtual numbers pose complex challenges. The app has been specifically engineered to bridge this gap through advanced filtering and backend intelligence.

Access and rollout

To ensure controlled and secure deployment, access to the app will be granted through district-level Superintendents of Police (SPs). Once authorised, users can download it on both Android and iOS platforms.

The initiative is expected to particularly benefit vulnerable and frequently targeted groups such as doctors, contractors, traders, and senior citizens.

Early results and expected impact

Haryana Police’s intensified anti-extortion drive is already yielding results. According to official data:

• Extortion calls have dropped by nearly 40%
• Overall crime has declined by around 8%
  (January–February 2026 compared to the previous year)

Authorities are confident that ‘Abhedya’ will further strengthen this downward trend by dismantling anonymous communication channels used by criminals.

‘Abhedya 2.0’ and future upgrades

The upgraded version, Abhedya 2.0, promises even tighter control by allowing users to:

• Block unknown international calls
• Filter suspicious domestic calls based on preferences
• Restrict calls from private or hidden numbers
• Allow communication only from verified or saved contacts

Continuous updates and enhancements are planned to keep pace with evolving cyber threats.

Next step: Dual OTP system to fight ‘digital arrest’ scams

In another forward-looking move, Haryana Police is developing a “Dual OTP System” in collaboration with HDFC Bank and other financial institutions to combat emerging frauds such as “digital arrest.”

Under this system:

• Transaction OTPs will be sent to both the account holder and a trusted family member
• Transactions will proceed only after dual confirmation
• Special focus will be on citizens aged 60 and above
• Transaction limits will be introduced to minimise risk

The framework is being finalised in consultation with the Reserve Bank of India and banking stakeholders.

Towards a safer digital Haryana

Reaffirming the force’s commitment, DGP Singhal said Haryana Police remains determined to trace every offender and bring them to justice. He urged citizens to actively adopt the ‘Abhedya’ app and partner with law enforcement in building a secure digital ecosystem.

With its motto of “Sewa, Suraksha, Sehyog,” Haryana Police is now leveraging cutting-edge technology to stay ahead of increasingly sophisticated cybercriminals—setting a model that other states may soon follow.