Internet use is on the increase in India

Computer crimes mainly involve unauthorised access, data alteration and destruction and theft of intellectual property.

"Crimes like fraud, pornography, illegal sales can all be done by computers," Mr Mahajan said.

He also warned that cyber crimes could take on a far more serious dimension in the near future.

New breed

Experts believe a new breed of criminals could damage telecommunications or rail links, disrupt power supplies and harm other important parts of India's infrastructure.

The CBI has invited senior police officials from across India, and IT and law experts to work out effective ways of fighting cyber offences.

The CBI chief, R K Raghavan, said they had sought help from several foreign agencies, including the US Federal Bureau of Investigation, in tackling the recent boom in cyber crimes.

Last year, FBI experts visited India and trained policemen in dealing with such offences. The CBI has now set up its own special cyber crime unit.

The Indian parliament recently passed a law dealing with computer crimes, but experts say police and security agencies need to be more pro-active in dealing with the growing threat.