New Delhi: Maharashtra’s police system is facing a cybercrime load that keeps growing every month, from online fraud to identity theft and digital extortion. Investigators often deal with scattered data, language gaps, and slow manual processes, all while complaints continue to rise. Against this backdrop, the state has introduced a new AI-based platform aimed at speeding up how cybercrime cases are handled on the ground.
The announcement came during the Microsoft AI Tour in Mumbai, where Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella unveiled MahaCrimeOS AI alongside Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The platform is already live in select police stations and is being positioned as a practical tool to help officers register cases faster, analyse digital evidence, and connect related complaints, at a time when cybercrime has become one of India’s most pressing law enforcement challenges.
What is MahaCrimeOS AI and why it matters
MahaCrimeOS AI is an AI-powered platform designed to help police investigate cybercrime faster. It is already live in 23 police stations in Nagpur and could expand to all 1,100 police stations across Maharashtra.
The system is built to assist officers, not replace them. It helps with instant case creation, multilingual data extraction, and linking digital evidence. This matters in a state where complaints come in many languages and formats.
Cybercrime is no longer a side issue. India reported over 3.6 million cybercrime incidents in 2024, according to the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. That number explains why Maharashtra is moving early.
How the platform works on the ground
MahaCrimeOS AI runs on Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service and Microsoft Foundry. In simple terms, it uses AI assistants and automated workflows to reduce manual work.
Here is what officers can do faster with the system:
- Register cybercrime cases digitally
- Extract data from messages, emails, and documents in multiple languages
- Access Indian criminal laws inside the platform
- Link similar cases and spot patterns
- Analyse digital evidence more quickly
An officer I spoke to earlier this year joked that half his job felt like data entry. Tools like this aim to change that reality.
Voices behind the rollout
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis framed the move around public good. He said ethical and responsible AI sits at the core of Maharashtra’s approach. He added that AI can improve efficiency and quality of life, and that MARVEL was created to partner with global deep technology leaders to transform governance.
Microsoft India and South Asia President Puneet Chandok described the system as a way to help officers investigate faster and more securely. He said this is not just about technology but about building trust and protecting citizens.
From the policing side, Harssh Poddar, Superintendent of Police in Nagpur Rural and CEO of MARVEL, said MahaCrimeOS AI is about turning complexity into clarity and speed, and building a model that can scale across India.
CyberEye Founder and CEO Ram Ganesh pointed to another reality. Many cybercrime cases come from remote areas. He said the platform helps officers in those regions handle complex investigations with reduced workload.
Current status and future plan
The platform is live today in select police stations. The Maharashtra government is now considering a statewide rollout.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Platform name | MahaCrimeOS AI |
| Current deployment | 23 police stations in Nagpur |
| Proposed expansion | 1,100 police stations across Maharashtra |
| Focus area | Cybercrime investigations |
| Core tech | AI on Microsoft Azure |
Why this step stands out nationally
Maharashtra is the first Indian state to formally empower its police force with a dedicated AI platform for cybercrime. That sets a precedent. Other states will watch closely, especially as digital fraud continues to rise.