Berhampur/Cuttack, Jan. 3: The state government today blocked a website of the Ganjam regional transport office (RTO) - www.rtoganjam.com - and initiated a crime branch probe after it was hacked. The website was not the official website of the RTO, police said.

The hacker has identified himself as Abas Abraham. Along with the slogan of "Pakistan Zindabad", a message - "Our aim is independence of Kashmir" - also appeared on the websites.

The hacker also threatened to freeze the websites of many companies and educational institutions across the country, the police said.

Additional director general of police (crime branch) B.K. Sharma said: "The website that was hacked was not an official website of the Ganjam RTO. It lacked adequate firewall and other security features, and hence, could be easily hacked."

Sharma said that the website was allegedly hacked four or five days ago, but the matter came to light only yesterday.

The hacked website was created by the Ganjam RTO about three months ago to provide information related to services such as road safety.

"There was no damage caused even after the hacking of the website, even though the transport department is very critical. Had the website been hosted on the National Informatics Centre (NIC) server, it would have been tough for the hackers," said Sharma.

Deputy inspector general of police (southern range) Amitav Thakur said: "We are aware of the hack and have sought the help of the crime branch in the investigation."

Ganjam superintendent of police Narasingha Bhol said: "We have registered a case in Chhatrapur police station after Ganjam RTO lodged a complaint about the incident today." Ganjam RTO Sanjay Biswal said that the information in the government website was intact and safe.