Arrest Made in Digital Arrest Scam
The Cyber Crime police in Ludhiana have arrested a man for his alleged involvement in a 'digital arrest' scam that defrauded a senior citizen of Rs 20 lakh. The accused, Gautam Punia, was apprehended from Kathua district in Jammu and Kashmir on July 9, 2026. He was wanted in connection with an FIR registered at the cybercrime police station in Ludhiana.
How the Scam Operated
According to police officials, Punia and his associates threatened the victim by claiming he was under 'digital arrest.' They convinced him to transfer nearly Rs 20 lakh into bank accounts controlled by the fraudsters. The victim complied under psychological pressure, fueled by fake legal threats and impersonation tactics employed by the accused.
Police Custody and Ongoing Investigation
Punia was produced in a local court on July 10, which remanded him to three days in police custody for further questioning. Investigators are now working to trace the remaining members of the fraud network. Raids are being conducted at multiple locations, and digital evidence linked to the case is being examined to trace the stolen money.
The police urge the public to remain vigilant against such scams and report any suspicious activity to the cybercrime helpline.
