Pratibimb App

• 10 Sep 2025

Why in News?

The Jharkhand Police’s Pratibimb App, developed under the initiative of Jharkhand DGP Anurag Gupta, is proving to be a key tool in the fight against cybercriminals in the country.

• IPS officers, including those from Jharkhand, were trained on using the app to catch cybercriminals during an induction course at the National Police Academy in Hyderabad.

Key Points

• About: 
  • The Pratibimb app is a specialized GIS-based software tool developed by the CID (Crime Investigation Department) in collaboration with the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) and the Ministry of Home Affairs. 
  • Its key purpose is to help law enforcement agencies track, map, and apprehend cyber criminals involved in fraud and related digital offenses.
  • The app was launched during the 1st Regional Conference of Joint Cyber Crime Coordination Teams (JCCTs)-II meeting in November 2023 at Ranchi, Jharkhand. 
  • It facilitates data sharing and analysis among law enforcement agencies through the "Samanvaya" platform.
• Features:
  • Real-Time Criminal Mapping: Pratibimb projects mobile numbers linked to cybercrimes on a GIS map, revealing their geographic locations across Jharkhand and India.
    • Police utilize the app to identify hotspots, leading to successful raids and arrests, with over 200 cyber criminals apprehended in Giridih district in five months.
  • Database Integration: It compiles and analyzes data on SIM cards, mobile phones, and fraudulent accounts used by criminals, which aids the police in locating offenders quickly.
  • Helpline Integration: The app connects with the national cybercrime helpline (1930), allowing the public to report fraud and helping authorities respond rapidly.
  • Academic Collaboration: Jharkhand Police has also partnered with premier institutions (IIM Ranchi, BIT-Mesra, XLRI Jamshedpur, NIT Jamshedpur) for enhanced technology, management, and knowledge support.