The state does have a cyber cell but it is under the CID (Crime) branch, and is more of a consultative than an investigating agency. The new cell will operate under the Commissioner of Police.

The ministry has also slotted ranks and positions for the cell, which will be headed by a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP). Senior police officers said two inspectors, four sub-inspectors, eight assistant sub-inspectors and 14 constables would assist the DySP. All personnel will be specially trained in handling cyber crime cases and will also be versed in the Information Technology (IT) Act.

Incidentally, the IT Act also stipulates that a police officer, not below the rank of DySP, can apply the IT Act and pursue an investigation under it. CID (Crime) Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Keshav Kumar, said the new cell would increase efficiency in cracking cyber crime cases. "Most DySPs in the state are not completely well versed in cyber crime and require the CID's help. But that will improve as the DySP heading the cyber cell will be given special training," Kumar said.

Recently, Alpesh Luhar of Vadodara emailed his complaint to the Mumbai and Delhi cyber crime police, as he could not find one in Gujarat. The Delhi cyber crime police cracked the case and later alerted the Vadodara police.

Sources in the police said that till now, victims of cyber crime had no clear idea about what constitutes a cyber crime or whom to approach in Gujarat. A senior police officer said on grounds of anonymity: "The handling of cases will now be streamlined and the speed of investigations and follow up will also increase with a dedicated agency."