Chandigarh Police File Chargesheet in Digital Arrest Scam
The Chandigarh Police have formally filed a chargesheet against three individuals from Gandhidham, Gujarat, in connection with a sophisticated digital arrest scam that defrauded a senior citizen of Rs 46 lakh in December 2025. The accused have been identified as Ramesh Ajay Bhai Abchung, Yogesh Devji Maheshwari, and Hitesh Naran Boricha, all residents of Gandhidham.
Details of the Fraud
According to police officials, the case originated from a complaint lodged by a senior citizen who reported being subjected to a digital arrest scam. The complainant alleged that the accused impersonated law enforcement officials and coerced him into transferring money under the pretext of legal action. The victim stated that he transferred a total of Rs 46 lakh into multiple bank accounts controlled by the accused and their associates.
During the investigation, Ramesh was identified as the holder of one bank account into which Rs 15 lakh of the defrauded amount was deposited before being withdrawn from various locations and routed to other accounts. Police said Ramesh had allegedly provided his bank account to co-accused Yogesh and Hitesh, who in turn supplied it to another person, believed to be based in Ahmedabad, on a commission basis.
Arrests and Investigation
The trio was apprehended from Gandhidham in Gujarat. Police said technical surveillance and field intelligence were used to trace the money trail across different locations in Gujarat. The investigation revealed that the accused were part of a larger network involved in digital arrest scams, a growing cybercrime trend where fraudsters pose as law enforcement officials to extort money.
The police have filed the chargesheet against the accused under Sections 318(4), 319(2), 336(3), 338, 340(2), and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. These sections pertain to cheating, impersonation, criminal intimidation, and other related offenses.
Impact and Warning
This case highlights the increasing prevalence of digital arrest scams targeting vulnerable individuals, particularly senior citizens. The Chandigarh Police have urged the public to remain vigilant and verify any unsolicited calls or messages from individuals claiming to be law enforcement officials. They advise citizens to never transfer money under pressure and to report suspicious activities to the cybercrime helpline immediately.
