Sultanpur | Uttar Pradesh | In a shocking cybercrime incident reported from Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh, cybercriminals allegedly trapped Shailendra Pratap Singh in a fake “digital arrest” situation for nearly one hour and forty-five minutes by posing as Anti Terrorism Squad officers.
The accused reportedly made a video call and displayed a police uniform to create an atmosphere of fear and legitimacy. During the conversation, the fraudsters pressured the MLC to share his Aadhaar card details and threatened him with possible legal action, attempting to extract sensitive information under psychological pressure.
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According to cybercrime police officials, the call was received on March 2, 2026, around 12:22 pm and continued until 1:39 pm. The caller introduced himself as an officer of the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) India, claiming to be from the Mumbai cybercrime branch. The suspect used a fake uniform background during the video call to strengthen the deception.
The criminals tried to build panic by warning the MLC about alleged criminal proceedings. They asked him to send his Aadhaar card details immediately, claiming it was required for verification and investigation purposes. The conversation continued for about 105 minutes, during which the victim was kept under psychological pressure.
The scam was exposed when MLC’s associates tried calling the same number again after sharing the Aadhaar-related information. When they verified the identity of the caller, the suspicious nature of the call became evident, and the fraud attempt was detected before any financial loss occurred.
Police investigation revealed that the mobile number used for the call was registered in the name of a woman residing in Satna, Madhya Pradesh. Authorities suspect that the number may have been used by cybercriminals through identity misuse or proxy registration.
The Cybercrime Station House Officer stated that a formal First Information Report (FIR) has been registered based on the complaint filed by the MLC. Special police teams have been formed to trace the cybercriminals involved in the operation. Technical surveillance, call record analysis, and digital network tracking are being used in the investigation.
Cybersecurity experts have warned that the case reflects the growing threat of “digital arrest” scams in which criminals impersonate law enforcement agencies to intimidate victims. Renowned cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said,
“Cybercriminals are increasingly using social engineering tactics to create fear by pretending to be police or investigative agencies. Digital arrest scams rely on psychological manipulation rather than technical hacking, making public awareness the most important defense.”
Authorities are advising citizens not to share personal identification documents, OTPs, or sensitive information during suspicious calls. People are also urged to verify the identity of callers claiming to be from police, courts, or government agencies by contacting official helplines.
Police officials stated that the cybercrime network behind the incident is under active investigation. Efforts are being made to identify the individuals operating the fake call setup and determine whether the gang is involved in similar cases across other regions.
The incident has once again highlighted the increasing sophistication of cyber fraud networks in India and the urgent need for stronger digital awareness campaigns. Officials emphasised that immediate reporting of suspicious calls can help prevent financial and identity-related crimes.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
