A serious breach within the police system has come to light in connection with a ₹1.29 crore digital arrest fraud, where a police constable was found to have leaked confidential information to help an accused relative evade arrest. Following a departmental inquiry, the constable has been penalised with a salary cut and his promotion has been withheld for one year.
The action comes amid an ongoing investigation into a high-profile cyber fraud case involving the digital confinement of a retired scientist, during which a group of cybercriminals siphoned off a large sum of money by impersonating law enforcement and central agency officials.
Certified Cyber Crime Investigator Course Launched by Centre for Police Technology
Scientist Digitally “Arrested” and Cheated of ₹1.29 Crore
According to the investigation, the retired scientist from the Indian Veterinary Research Institute was digitally detained by cyber fraudsters between June 17 and June 20, 2025. The accused contacted the victim through phone and video calls, posing as officials from central investigative agencies and local police.
Using threats of legal action and arrest, the fraudsters kept the victim under constant psychological pressure and forced him to transfer ₹1.29 crore to multiple bank accounts. A complaint was subsequently lodged at the cyber crime police station, leading to a detailed probe into the racket.
Arrests Made, One Key Accused Slips Away
During the investigation, several suspects were identified and arrested from different districts. As the case progressed, the name of a key accused based in Lucknow surfaced. A police team was formed to trace and arrest him.
Investigators later discovered that the accused had a close relative serving in the police department. Given the sensitive nature of the case, the investigation team sought local assistance, unknowingly involving the relative who would later be found complicit in obstructing the arrest.
Confidential Information Leaked Before Raid
When the police team reached the accused’s ancestral village to conduct a raid, he had already fled. Subsequent scrutiny revealed that information about the planned operation had been leaked in advance, enabling the accused to evade capture.
An internal review pointed to the involvement of the constable, who was found to have shared confidential operational details to protect his relative. This disclosure directly compromised the arrest attempt.
Departmental Inquiry Confirms Misconduct
A departmental inquiry was initiated to examine the circumstances under which the accused managed to escape. The inquiry concluded that the constable had deliberately passed on sensitive information, violating service rules and obstructing the course of justice.
Based on the findings, disciplinary action was taken against the constable. Authorities imposed a financial penalty equivalent to 28 days’ salary and ordered that his promotion be withheld for a period of one year.
Nine Accused Arrested, Hunt Continues
In the broader digital arrest fraud case, nine accused have been arrested and sent to jail so far. The suspects are believed to be part of an organised cybercrime network that used fake identities, spoofed calls and digital payment channels to execute the fraud.
Officials stated that several other accused remain at large and special teams have been deployed to trace them. Investigators are also examining call records, bank transactions and digital footprints to identify the full extent of the network.
Message of Zero Tolerance
The case has raised serious concerns about internal accountability while highlighting the growing threat of cyber-enabled financial crimes. Senior officials have stressed that any form of internal collusion or misuse of official position will not be tolerated.
Amid a sharp rise in digital fraud cases, the disciplinary action is being seen as a clear message that those who compromise investigations or attempt to shield criminals—regardless of their position—will face strict consequences.
About the author – Ayesha Aayat is a law student and contributor covering cybercrime, online frauds, and digital safety concerns. Her writing aims to raise awareness about evolving cyber threats and legal responses.
