(THE NEWSMAN OF INDIA.COM)
The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, recently addressed the nation on his “Mann Ki Baat” program, advising citizens, “Don’t be afraid of digital arrest. Stop and think – take action.” His message, combined with the State Cyber Police’s prompt intervention, helped prevent a potentially disastrous outcome for the victim.

Bhopal State Cyber Police Rescues Victim from Fake Digital Arrest, Prevents Cyber Fraud Worth Crores. In a groundbreaking operation, the State Cyber Police in Bhopal rescued a man from a fake digital arrest, preventing him from falling victim to a cyber scam that could have cost him crores of rupees. This is believed to be the first such instance in the country, where the police successfully intervened during a live digital arrest.

The incident unfolded when the victim, Vivek Oberoi, a corporate entrepreneur based in Dubai, was subjected to a digital “arrest” in his own home. The fraudsters, posing as officers from various agencies, including the TRAI Legal Cell, CBI, and Mumbai Cyber Crime Cell, coerced him into revealing personal and banking information. They manipulated him into downloading a Skype app for video calls and instructed him to remain locked in a room while they conducted a fake interrogation.

The fraudsters intimidated Oberoi with threats of legal action, claiming that he was involved in money laundering and that fake bank accounts had been opened in his name using his Aadhaar card. They also threatened harm to his family members unless he complied. The victim was told that if he didn’t cooperate, he and his family would be arrested.

Upon receiving a distress call, Additional Director General of Police (State Cyber Police Headquarters) Yogesh Deshmukh and Deputy Inspector General of Police Mohd. Yusuf Qureshi immediately acted on the situation. Taking the matter very seriously due to its sensitive nature, the police team swiftly reached the victim’s residence in Arera Colony, Bhopal.

Upon arrival, the team introduced themselves as law enforcement officers and demanded ID verification from the fraudsters. As soon as the criminals realized their cover was blown, they abruptly disconnected all communication and Skype calls.

The police team then reassured the victim, explaining that there is no such thing as a “digital arrest” in India and that all the notices and threats he had received were completely fraudulent. The victim was relieved to learn that he had been saved from a significant financial loss. He later admitted that without the prompt intervention of the Cyber Police, he would have transferred a substantial sum of money to the fraudsters.

The victim also shared that his flight, which was about to be canceled due to the ongoing digital arrest, had been cleared, and he could now proceed to the airport. Grateful for the police’s timely action, he and his family expressed their heartfelt thanks to the Madhya Pradesh Police and the State Cyber Police.

This incident highlights the growing threat of cybercrime and underscores the importance of quick and effective action. The Madhya Pradesh Cyber Police’s swift response not only saved a victim from financial ruin but also provided a powerful reminder of the need for digital vigilance.