Central government’s status report in Supreme Court on digital arrest cases, investigation handed over to CBI

New Delhi:The Central Government has filed its status report in the Supreme Court regarding the rapidly increasing ‘Digital Arrest’ fraud in the country. The government has told the court that the investigation of this serious cyber crime has now been handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the agency has started investigation by registering a new FIR in this regard.

This step has been taken at a time when a case of fraud of Rs 14.85 crore from an NRI doctor couple living in Greater Kailash area of ​​Delhi came to light through video call. This sensational incident has exposed the seriousness of crimes like digital arrest and has forced the government to take concrete steps.

Command of investigation in the hands of CBI

The Central Government told the Supreme Court that as per the instructions of the Court, the FIR of Delhi Police has been transferred to the CBI. After this, CBI has registered a new FIR and started a detailed investigation of the case. The government also clarified that it will take some time to prepare a strong and effective strategy to deal with organized cyber crimes like digital arrest, which is why an additional time of one month has been sought from the court.

Formation of high-level inter-departmental committee

The Home Ministry has constituted a high-level inter-departmental committee to deal with the growing problem of digital arrest. This committee is working closely with various departments and is also seriously considering the suggestions received from the people, so that this type of fraud can be rooted out.

Time is necessary for concrete planning

The Central Government has said in the Supreme Court that a strong action plan is being prepared keeping in mind all the aspects and suggestions. Its purpose is to keep people safe in future from these incidents of online fraud, threats and intimidation. A hearing in this matter is also to be held today in the Supreme Court. In the last hearing, the court had ordered the investigation of digital arrest cases by CBI.

Why is ‘digital arrest’ dangerous?

Digital arrest is a new cyber fraud method, in which fraudsters scare people by pretending to be police, government agency or bank officials. They keep the victim under mental pressure over video calls by citing legal terms like arrest warrant, money laundering or national security and gradually get them to transfer huge amounts of money.

This is how people make victims

The fraudsters first make an impersonation call, then isolate the victim by monitoring the video call. They stop talking to family or banks and withdraw money in installments from different accounts. In the end, they create more confusion by luring fake ‘refunds’.

advice in public interest

There is no provision in the law to ‘arrest’ anyone over phone or video call. On any such threat, disconnect the call and immediately contact 112 or 1930 (National Cyber ​​Helpline). Before transferring any kind of amount, consult your family, lawyer or bank and never share OTP, PIN or screen with anyone.