Cybersecurity – Coimbatore Police Introduce WhatsApp Chatbot to Expand Digital Services
Cybersecurity – The Coimbatore District Police have introduced a new digital initiative aimed at improving public access to police services. A WhatsApp-based chatbot called Kovai Digi Cop has been launched to allow residents to quickly connect with authorities, access information, and use several essential services through their mobile phones.
New Digital Tool for Public Interaction
District Superintendent of Police K. Karthikeyan announced the launch while addressing reporters. According to him, the chatbot is designed to make police services more accessible and user-friendly for citizens.
Residents can access the service by saving the number 9840091100 in their phone contacts and sending a message saying “HI” on WhatsApp. Once connected, users can choose from two available language options and then navigate through a menu that offers multiple categories of services.
Officials said the chatbot provides nine major service categories. These include assistance related to cybercrime complaints, traffic violations, mobile phone verification, and services for blocking lost or stolen mobile devices.
Simplifying Traffic and Digital Services
One of the key features of the chatbot is the ability to pay traffic challans directly through the platform with a single click. Police officials believe this feature will significantly reduce the time citizens spend visiting police stations or navigating complicated online portals.
In addition to traffic services, the chatbot also provides guidance on cybercrime reporting and other police-related support. Authorities say the platform has been designed to simplify interactions with the police department and encourage citizens to use digital tools for faster assistance.
Police officials described the chatbot as a first-of-its-kind initiative in the region aimed at improving communication between the public and law enforcement agencies.
Major Infrastructure Project Progressing in Chennai
In a separate development related to infrastructure, the National Highways Authority of India has reported significant progress on the Chennai Port–Maduravoyal elevated corridor project.
The four-lane, double-tier elevated corridor is being built at a cost exceeding ₹3,500 crore and is expected to be completed by November 2027.
The 20.9-kilometre corridor is designed with two separate levels to handle different categories of traffic efficiently. The lower tier will primarily serve local city traffic, helping to ease congestion along the Cooum River corridor between the beach area and Koyambedu.
Designed to Improve Traffic Flow
The project includes 13 ramps at strategic points to allow smooth entry and exit for vehicles. Important access points will be located at Sivananda Salai, College Road, Spur Tank Road, and Koyambedu.
Officials say the elevated corridor will help reduce congestion on surface roads and improve connectivity between key areas of Chennai.
The project was initially launched in 2010 but was halted in 2016 due to various administrative and technical issues. Construction resumed in 2023 after renewed support from the Tamil Nadu government and Chennai Port Trust, following recommendations from a technical committee.
Boost Expected for Port Cargo Capacity
Once completed, the corridor will provide uninterrupted highway connectivity to Chennai Port. Authorities believe this improved logistics route will strengthen cargo movement and significantly increase the port’s operational capacity.
Currently, Chennai Port handles around 53 million tonnes of cargo annually. Officials estimate that with better connectivity and infrastructure improvements, the capacity could increase to nearly 200 million tonnes by 2047.
Rising Concern Over Cyber Fraud Cases
Meanwhile, authorities in Tamil Nadu have also been dealing with a rise in cybercrime incidents. In March, police registered multiple FIRs against unidentified individuals accused of cheating several Coimbatore residents through online scams.
According to investigators, the fraudsters collectively siphoned off more than ₹1 crore from victims using different digital fraud methods.
Retired Employee Targeted in Online Scam
In one reported case, a retired government employee from Singanallur lost ₹19 lakh after being targeted in a sophisticated scam.
The victim reportedly received a video call from a person who falsely claimed that her identity was linked to a large financial fraud case involving the chief executive officer of a private airline.
The caller allegedly threatened the victim with what was described as a “digital arrest” and convinced her to share confidential banking details and passwords under the pretext of verifying financial transactions.
Police have launched investigations into the incident and have advised citizens to remain cautious when receiving suspicious calls or messages requesting sensitive financial information.