Bijnor. A cybercrime investigation has begun in Uttar Pradesh’s Bijnor district after a 28-year-old woman, Monika, allegedly died by suicide following months of harassment by callers posing as Crime Branch officials. The case has raised concern over “digital arrest” scams, with police now examining whether an organised cybercrime network was involved in threatening and blackmailing the victim.
Calls Continued During Cremation
According to information, Monika died by suicide during the intervening night of April 27 and 28 at her home. Her two young daughters, aged 8 and 11, were present in the same room at the time of the incident. The family later conducted the cremation without informing the police, reportedly due to social pressure and distressing circumstances.
FCRF Academy Launches Premier Anti-Money Laundering Certification Program
During the cremation ceremony, Monika’s mobile phone began ringing repeatedly. When a relative answered, a video call appeared on the screen. The caller was allegedly dressed in a police-style uniform and claimed to be a Crime Branch officer. He demanded to speak to Monika and reportedly issued threats after being told that she had died.
Diary Note Points to Alleged Harassment
The repeated calls raised suspicion among family members. While searching through Monika’s belongings, they found a diary containing a suicide note. The note allegedly described prolonged harassment, blackmail and repeated threats from unknown callers who had been pressuring her for money over a long period.
Investigating agencies suspect the case may follow the pattern of a digital arrest scam, in which fraudsters impersonate police, CBI or other enforcement officials to intimidate victims. Such callers often claim that the victim is under investigation or arrest and then use fear of legal action to demand compliance.
Police Examine Digital Evidence
Family members have claimed that the harassment did not stop after Monika’s death and that unknown callers continued contacting them. Monika’s husband, Randhir, also allegedly received threats. Based on his complaint, Bijnor Police registered a case under Section 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and started an investigation.
Authorities are examining call detail records, mobile data, WhatsApp chats and other digital evidence to trace the origin of the calls. Preliminary findings suggest the possibility of an organised cybercrime syndicate operating across multiple regions.
Police are also investigating whether any financial extortion took place during the period of harassment. Officials have urged the public not to trust unsolicited calls claiming to be from police or investigative agencies, stating that no government agency demands money or threatens arrest over phone calls.
