Cyber Criminal with Law Degree Apprehended for 'Digital Arrest' Fraud in Bhojpur
The cyber police of Bhojpur district have made a significant breakthrough by arresting a cybercriminal accused of orchestrating a sophisticated 'digital arrest' scam that defrauded a government doctor of Rs 19 lakh. The arrest, carried out on Tuesday, marks the culmination of a seven-month intensive manhunt targeting the elusive perpetrator.
Details of the Arrest and Accused
Upendra Singh, the arrested individual, was apprehended from Vijay Nagar in New Delhi, where he had been evading authorities for months. Originally hailing from Bharatpur in Rajasthan, Singh holds a Master of Laws (LLM) degree from a reputed law college in Jaipur, though police noted his attendance there was irregular, raising questions about his academic background.
The Scam: How the 'Digital Arrest' Unfolded
According to DSP-cum-SHO Sneh Setu of the Bhojpur cyber police station, the victim, Dr. Ram Nivas Prasad—currently posted at Sadar Hospital in Ara—lodged a formal complaint on July 1, 2025. The incident began on June 26 when Dr. Prasad received a call from an individual posing as an Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) officer.
The fraudster falsely claimed that an arrest warrant had been issued against the doctor by a district court in Pune, providing a fabricated case number to lend credibility to the threat. In what police term a 'digital arrest,' the caller coerced Dr. Prasad into believing he was under legal custody, instructing him not to inform anyone or leave his home while threatening severe legal consequences.
Under this duress, the doctor was manipulated into transferring Rs 19 lakh to accounts controlled by the accused. DSP Setu emphasized that this case highlights the growing trend of cybercriminals using psychological manipulation and false legal authority to exploit victims.
Investigation and Broader Implications
Acting on instructions from the Bhojpur Superintendent of Police, a special cyber police team led by DSP Setu was formed to track down Singh. "We had been pursuing him for the past seven months, but he consistently managed to evade capture. This time, our team outmaneuvered him, leading to his arrest in Delhi," Setu stated during a press conference.
The investigation has uncovered alleged connivance from a deputy bank manager, to whom police have issued a notice in connection with the case. Explaining the modus operandi, Setu revealed that Singh would convince bank officials to open multiple accounts under the guise of business transactions. After placing victims under 'digital arrest,' he would transfer the extorted funds into these accounts, complicating traceability.
During interrogation, Singh disclosed the names of several accomplices, which authorities are currently verifying. This development follows the earlier arrest of two individuals in Delhi linked to the same case, who had identified Singh as the primary accused operating the fraud racket from the national capital.
Context and Author Background
The case underscores the escalating challenges law enforcement faces in combating cybercrime, particularly schemes that blend legal intimidation with digital deception. It also raises concerns about the involvement of educated individuals in such illicit activities, as seen with Singh's law degree.
This report is based on information from local authorities and highlights the ongoing efforts to address cyber fraud in regions like Bhojpur. The arrest serves as a reminder for the public to remain vigilant against unsolicited calls and digital threats, especially those invoking legal actions.
