In a decisive move to curb the rising menace of so-called “digital arrest” scams across the country, the Union government has constituted a high-level inter-departmental committee to examine the modus operandi of such frauds and recommend corrective measures. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) informed the Supreme Court of the development through a status report, underlining the Centre’s intent to tackle the growing threat in a coordinated and comprehensive manner.
The committee has been constituted following the Supreme Court’s suo motu intervention in cases involving cyber frauds where victims are coerced into believing they are under “digital arrest” by impersonators posing as law enforcement or regulatory authorities. The apex court had earlier directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to probe such cases and sought details of inter-ministerial consultations on the issue.
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Committee headed by Home Ministry special secretary
According to the status report, the inter-departmental committee is headed by a Special Secretary (Internal Security) in the Home Ministry and has already held multiple meetings to assess the scale and complexity of the problem. The panel has been tasked with examining all dimensions of digital arrest scams, including legal loopholes, technological vulnerabilities, banking channels, and communication networks exploited by fraudsters.
The committee comprises Joint Secretary-level representatives from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of External Affairs, Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Law and Justice, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, and the Reserve Bank of India. Senior officials from investigative and enforcement agencies have also been included.
CBI, NIA and police representation
Apart from officials from key ministries, the panel includes officers of IG rank from the CBI, the National Investigation Agency (NIA), and Delhi Police. Senior officers from the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) at the Joint Secretary level and above are also part of the committee, highlighting the government’s emphasis on operational coordination and intelligence sharing.
Officials said the presence of central investigative agencies would help streamline real-time responses to complaints and improve inter-agency coordination in cases involving cross-border digital fraud.
Tech companies brought into consultations
The Home Ministry informed the court that the committee has already engaged with major global technology companies as part of its deliberations. Representatives from Google, WhatsApp, Telegram and Microsoft participated in recent meetings, where issues related to platform misuse, delayed data sharing, fake identities and encrypted communication channels were discussed.
The committee is examining how digital platforms can strengthen safeguards to prevent impersonation of government authorities and ensure quicker takedown of fraudulent accounts and content.
Focus on real-time enforcement challenges
As per the status report, the panel will study real-time challenges faced by law enforcement agencies while responding to digital arrest cases. This includes delays in information flow, jurisdictional hurdles, difficulties in tracing digital footprints, and coordination issues between banks, telecom service providers and police agencies.
The committee will also identify weaknesses in existing laws, rules and their implementation, and suggest changes to make enforcement more effective. Recommendations are expected to cover preventive mechanisms, victim support frameworks and awareness measures.
Supreme Court monitoring developments
The Supreme Court had taken suo motu cognisance of digital arrest scams, observing that such frauds were being carried out on a large scale and causing serious financial and psychological harm to citizens. A bench comprising the Chief Justice and another senior judge had directed the Centre to apprise it of inter-departmental consultations and steps taken to address the issue.
The Home Ministry said the committee was formed in compliance with the court’s directions and that its findings and recommendations would be placed before the court at an appropriate stage.
Growing concern over digital frauds
Digital arrest scams typically involve fraudsters impersonating officials from police, CBI, ED or customs authorities and intimidating victims through video calls or messages, claiming they are under investigation. Victims are often coerced into transferring money to “secure accounts” to avoid arrest.
With such cases rising sharply in recent months, the government’s move to institutionalise a coordinated response is seen as a crucial step toward strengthening India’s cybercrime response framework.
Officials indicated that further policy and regulatory measures could follow once the committee submits its recommendations, signalling a tougher stance against digital fraud networks operating within and outside the country.
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.
