Police have arrested four individuals in connection with an extortion case in which ₹2.5 crore was demanded from jeweller Promod Kumar Agarwal. The accused allegedly used internet calling systems and virtual number services to make threatening phone calls while attempting to hide their identities through digital communication tools.
Bhojpuri Threats via Internet
According to police officials, the gang sent threats in the Bhojpuri language to intimidate the businessman. Initial technical investigation indicated that the calls appeared to originate from Mumbai, but further analysis revealed that the communication was made through internet-based calling platforms designed to conceal the actual location using virtual network routing.
The investigation also revealed that one of the accused was known to the businessman and used to visit his residence. Police suspect that the jeweller was targeted after a theft incident reported in the Malpura area. The theft took place on the night of February 19, and the first extortion call was received on February 23.
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During the calls, the attackers claimed that the businessman had sufficient financial resources and could easily arrange crores of rupees. The accused also falsely claimed that they had won a large amount of money through a gaming application and demanded ₹2.5 crore. They warned of serious consequences if the money was not paid and threatened harm to the businessman and his family.
VPN and Virtual Number Masking
Investigators stated that the accused attempted to hide their identity by using VPN portals, virtual numbers, and internet-based calling applications. Multiple network routing layers were reportedly used to mask the caller’s real location. Although the initial analysis suggested that the call originated from Mumbai, the cyber intelligence team later tracked the suspects through detailed digital forensic investigation.
AI-Generated Bhojpuri Script
Police further revealed that accused Dhairya Singh typed the threatening message on his mobile phone first and then converted it into Bhojpuri language using artificial intelligence-based tools. It is alleged that he used a chat-based AI system to modify the language style, printed the message, and read it during the call to confuse law enforcement authorities.
According to the Deputy Commissioner of Police (West), the cyber team analyzed digital evidence and confirmed the identities of the accused. Based on technical investigation, all four suspects were arrested. The arrested individuals have been identified as Gaurav Sharma, Hridesh, Dhairya Singh, and Latif.
Local Intelligence Gathering
Police also said that Latif is originally from Bihar and had been staying in the Malpura area near a local mosque for several years. Investigators found that the accused had collected information about the businessman’s activities and family background beforehand to make the threats more convincing.
Authorities have warned that strict action will be taken against individuals involved in internet-based extortion and cyber threats. The cyber intelligence team is continuously monitoring suspicious digital networks, virtual communication channels, and online criminal activities. The investigation in the case is ongoing.
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.
