Police have busted a cyber fraud gang that cheated a victim of ₹48 lakh by threatening arrest in the name of a fake investigation. One accused has been arrested in connection with the case. Officials said the accused is a 12th-pass man who runs a bag shop. The fraud was carried out by impersonating an investigative agency officer to create fear.
Modus Operandi: Terrorist SIM Threats
During investigation, it was found that the fraudsters first called the victim claiming to be a Haryana administrative department official. The caller alleged that the victim’s Aadhaar-linked SIM was issued fraudulently and was being used in suspected terrorist activities. The victim was also told that ₹7–8 crore had been involved in money-laundering transactions under his name.
Using these false allegations, the fraudsters put the victim under intense psychological pressure. The victim was then given another contact number to continue the conversation. The second caller introduced himself as an officer of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and began threatening arrest.
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Victim Transfers ₹48 Lakh Under Duress
The fraudsters claimed that a police team was on its way to arrest the victim and demanded money to avoid arrest. Under fear, the victim transferred ₹48 lakh to multiple bank accounts. After receiving the money, the accused stopped all communication.
Arrest and Police Investigation
Police spokespersons stated that investigation revealed that the arrested suspect, Sanjoy Malloraj, used the bank account of his firm Candy Flow Private Limited to receive fraud money. Around ₹4 lakh from cyber fraud transactions was traced to this account. The accused has been arrested based on technical and banking records and has been sent to four-day police remand for further questioning.
No Such Thing as Digital Arrest
Authorities clarified that there is no official procedure known as digital arrest in the law enforcement system. If a person is implicated in any legal case, police follow standard legal protocols for action. Phone calls made in the name of police or investigative agencies to intimidate people are purely a cyber fraud technique.
Public Safety Advisory
Cybersecurity experts have advised citizens not to trust calls from unknown numbers. If anyone claims to be a police, NIA, or investigative officer and demands immediate money transfer or threatens arrest, the call should be disconnected immediately. Victims are urged to report such incidents to the cybercrime helpline number 1930.
Police said efforts are underway to trace the cyber fraud network by examining mobile records and bank transaction details. Authorities emphasised that public awareness remains the strongest defence against such frauds.
Officials appealed to citizens not to share personal or financial information over suspicious calls. The case has once again highlighted the growing threat of cyber fraud where criminals use fear and deception to target unsuspecting individuals. Investigation to identify other suspects involved in the racket is continuing.
About the author – Rehan Khan is a law student and legal journalist with a keen interest in cybercrime, digital fraud, and emerging technology laws. He writes on the intersection of law, cybersecurity, and online safety, focusing on developments that impact individuals and institutions in India.
