In a significant breakthrough against cybercrime, Chandigarh Police has apprehended two individuals from Rajasthan who orchestrated an elaborate "digital arrest" scam that defrauded a local woman of a staggering ₹15 lakh. The sophisticated operation involved perpetrators impersonating law enforcement officials to psychologically trap their victim.
The Modus Operandi: How the Digital Arrest Scam Unfolded
The fraud began when the victim received a chilling call from individuals claiming to be police officials from Mumbai. The fake officers convincingly alleged that a parcel containing drugs and illegal items had been dispatched using her personal documents.
The scammers then executed their "digital arrest" strategy:
- Forced the victim to remain on video call continuously for several days
- Prevented her from communicating with family or real police authorities
- Created an environment of fear and psychological pressure
- Demanded massive financial transfers under the guise of "verification" and "investigation"
Police Investigation and Arrests
Following a formal complaint, Chandigarh Police's Cyber Crime Cell launched an intensive investigation that traced the digital footprint to Rajasthan. The arrested individuals have been identified as Rahul Gujjar and Mukesh Gujjar, both residents of Bharatpur district.
"This case highlights the evolving nature of cybercrime in India," stated a senior police official. "The 'digital arrest' concept is particularly dangerous as it uses psychological manipulation rather than technical hacking to exploit victims."
Rising Trend of Digital Arrest Scams in India
Law enforcement agencies across India have reported a significant increase in such scams where fraudsters:
- Impersonate police, CBI, or other authority figures
- Use fabricated stories about illegal activities linked to victims' documents
- Employ video calls to maintain constant surveillance and control
- Extract large sums of money through coercion and threats
The Chandigarh case serves as a crucial warning to citizens about these sophisticated fraud operations and the importance of verifying any unusual police claims through official channels.
