Raipur Police have arrested seven alleged members of a fraud syndicate accused of cheating people by promising to double their money and convert bundles of black paper into genuine currency using chemicals. The arrests were made at a resort in Pune during an investigation into a ₹1.13 crore cheating case involving a businessman from Balod, Chhattisgarh.

According to police, two women were arrested earlier in connection with the Balod case. Their interrogation reportedly provided digital leads, including mobile chats, contact numbers and social media accounts, which helped investigators trace the alleged masterminds to Pune. Police then kept the suspects under surveillance for nearly a week before raiding a resort in Khandala. The accused were allegedly attempting to convince another person from Varanasi to hand over money as part of the same fraud.

Police identified the arrested suspects as Gyan Prakash Srivastava alias Yogi, Praveen Kumar Srivastava alias Captain, Shetty and Reddy, Manoj Kumar Srivastava alias Bade Sir, Vivek Singh, Shubham Pandey, Yogendra Chauhan and Balmukund Dixit. The investigation has also indicated that the alleged syndicate had been operating since around 2005 and may have targeted more than 100 people across different cities. Police said some members of the network are still absconding.

The alleged fraud was based on what is commonly known as a “wash-wash” or black currency scam. Investigators said the suspects used black paper cut to the size of currency notes along with chemicals and staged demonstrations to convince potential victims that blackened notes could be converted into genuine currency. In some cases, genuine currency was reportedly used during demonstrations to establish credibility.

The suspects allegedly approached prospective victims at clubs, parties, yoga centres and high-profile gatherings, where they built contacts with financially well-off people. They reportedly presented themselves as members of influential business networks and claimed links with the Reserve Bank of India, senior officials and other powerful individuals. Police said the accused also used photographs with politicians and film personalities and sometimes appeared with private security personnel to create an impression of influence.

Meetings were allegedly arranged at expensive hotels, villas and resorts in cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Rajasthan and Gujarat. During these meetings, victims were reportedly promised access to foreign investment, influential contacts or schemes that could multiply their money. Once trust was established, the accused allegedly demanded money in instalments under different pretexts, including chemicals, testing, security clearances and fund-release procedures.

Police said the gang had a specific method for gaining the confidence of victims. In the initial stage, victims were allegedly given genuine currency and shown a demonstration involving chemical treatment. After the victim became convinced, the accused would allegedly replace genuine notes with bundles of black paper made to resemble currency. The victim was then persuaded to invest a much larger amount, after which the suspects would disappear or demand additional money.

More than ₹4 crore in cash, 17 mobile phones, black paper cut into currency-note sizes, glass plates and other materials were reportedly seized during the investigation. Police said the accused have admitted to similar offences in Chhattisgarh, Noida, Pune, Vadodara, Udaipur and Delhi. Praveen Kumar Srivastava and Manoj Kumar Srivastava have also reportedly faced previous cheating cases in Mumbai and Varanasi.

The investigation has revealed another unusual aspect of the alleged operation. Police said some of the accused had themselves fallen victim to a similar scam before 2005. After losing money, they allegedly learned the method and subsequently built their own network to target others.

The case came to light after Balod businessman Umesh Kumar Sinha allegedly lost ₹1.13 crore after being promised ₹45 crore in investment for expansion of his company. The investigation into that complaint eventually led police to the wider alleged syndicate. Further investigation is underway to identify additional victims, trace the money trail and locate other suspects.

A trader from Rewa has allegedly been duped of nearly ₹20,000 after placing an online order for edible oil through a business-to-business trade portal. The victim transferred the payment after confirming the order, but neither received the goods nor managed to contact the seller, prompting a police complaint and a cyber fraud investigation.

The incident was reported under the Civil Lines police station limits, where authorities have begun examining bank transaction details and other digital evidence to trace the accused.

Order Placed Through Trade Portal

According to the complaint, the victim, Nilesh Kumar Tripathi, a resident of Dhekha area in Rewa, had placed an order for Sikka-brand edible oil for business purposes through a profile operating under the name Shree Balaji Traders on the TradeIndia portal.

After the order was confirmed, the trader transferred approximately ₹20,000 online to complete the purchase.

Delivery Never Arrived

Despite making the payment, the ordered consignment was never delivered.

When the trader attempted to contact the seller using the mobile number provided on the portal, he reportedly found that his number had been blocked. Calls made from another phone also went unanswered.

Suspecting that he had fallen victim to an online fraud, the trader approached the Civil Lines police station and lodged a formal complaint.

Police Begin Investigation

Police have registered the complaint and initiated an inquiry into the matter.

Investigators are examining bank transaction records, payment details, the mobile numbers used during the transaction and other technical evidence to identify those involved in the alleged fraud.

Officials are also verifying the authenticity of the seller's profile and related digital records linked to the online transaction.

Police Issue Advisory

Civil Lines police station in-charge Vijay Singh confirmed that a complaint regarding an online cheating case involving approximately ₹20,000 had been received.

He said the investigation is underway and that police are analysing the financial transaction trail along with other electronic evidence.

The officer also advised traders and consumers to verify the credibility of online sellers before making advance payments, particularly during business transactions conducted through digital platforms.

He urged citizens to immediately report any suspected cyber fraud by contacting the National Cyber Crime Helpline at 1930 or approaching the nearest police station.

Growing Concern Over Online Business Frauds

The incident highlights the increasing risks associated with online commercial transactions, where fraudsters allegedly create fake business profiles to lure buyers into making advance payments.

Cybercrime experts advise businesses to verify company credentials, check GST registration details, review seller ratings, and avoid making full advance payments without proper verification.

Police have appealed to traders to exercise caution while dealing with unfamiliar vendors and to promptly report suspicious online activities to help prevent financial fraud.

 Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police have registered an FIR against Meta India Head Arun Srinivas, along with several social media users, in connection with the circulation of allegedly AI-generated and morphed videos featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Facebook and Instagram.

The investigation aims to identify the origin of the videos, trace those responsible for creating and sharing the content, and determine whether the material was intended to mislead the public or violate provisions of the law.

The development comes amid heightened scrutiny of artificial intelligence-generated content and the responsibility of social media platforms to prevent the spread of manipulated digital material.

Two Cases Registered in Hyderabad

According to police officials, two separate cases have been registered following complaints submitted by BJP workers. The FIRs have been filed under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Information Technology Act.

Investigators have named the handlers of the social media accounts involved, while Meta India Head Arun Srinivas has been listed as a co-accused in both cases. Authorities clarified that the investigation is at a preliminary stage and no conclusions have been reached regarding individual liability.

Focus on AI Content Moderation

Cyber Crime Police are examining how the AI-generated videos were created, uploaded and circulated across Meta-owned platforms, including Facebook and Instagram.

Officials are also reviewing the effectiveness of Meta's content moderation systems and safeguards designed to detect and remove manipulated or misleading AI-generated material. The inquiry seeks to determine whether existing mechanisms were adequate to prevent the videos from gaining traction online.

Police have issued notices to Meta seeking information related to the flagged content, platform policies and moderation processes.

Investigation Linked to Protest Videos

Preliminary findings suggest that the disputed videos began circulating around the time of a student demonstration held at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. Investigators are attempting to establish whether the edited clips originated from the protest and whether they were subsequently altered using artificial intelligence tools before being widely shared.

Police said efforts are underway to identify individuals behind the accounts involved and collect digital evidence as part of the investigation.

Meta Officials Respond to Notice

Sources familiar with the matter said Hyderabad Police had earlier summoned Meta representatives to explain the company's systems for identifying AI-generated scams, misleading advertisements and manipulated digital content.

Following the registration of the FIR, company representatives reportedly appeared before investigators and provided details regarding Meta's compliance measures and content moderation policies. The company has not issued an official public statement on the FIR.

Separate Zero FIR Registered in Noida

In a related development, Noida Police have registered a Zero FIR against a woman accused of using objectionable language against the Prime Minister during the Jantar Mantar protest.

The complaint was lodged by a Ghaziabad resident, following which a case was registered at the Expressway Police Station in Noida.

Police have invoked provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita relating to alleged acts affecting public order and defamation. The Zero FIR will be transferred to the jurisdictional police station for further investigation.

Government Tightens Focus on AI Content

The latest action comes as the Central Government continues to seek explanations from Meta regarding the temporary removal of one of the Prime Minister's official social media posts earlier this month. The company had attributed the incident to a technical issue involving its automated AI moderation system and subsequently restored the content.

Government officials have indicated that additional information has been sought from the platform regarding its AI-based moderation processes and safeguards against erroneous removals and manipulated content.

Growing Challenge of AI-Generated Deepfakes

Artificial intelligence and deepfake technology now make it possible to generate highly realistic videos by replicating an individual's facial expressions, voice and mannerisms. Such content can be difficult to distinguish from authentic footage and has increasingly raised concerns about misinformation, online fraud and reputational harm.

Experts say the rapid evolution of generative AI has intensified calls for stronger platform accountability, improved detection systems and greater public awareness about digitally manipulated content.

In a significant ruling with far-reaching implications for cybercrime investigations and banking practices, the Madhya Pradesh High Court has held that law enforcement agencies should not freeze an entire bank account over a minor disputed transaction when less restrictive measures are available. The court directed that, wherever possible, only the amount linked to the alleged cyber fraud should be blocked rather than imposing restrictions on the entire account.

The judgment came while hearing a petition filed by Archana Shivhare, a Bhopal-based businesswoman, whose current account containing more than ₹2.51 crore was frozen following a suspected cyber transaction of just ₹980.

Justice Himanshu Joshi, presiding over the single bench, observed that freezing an entire bank account should remain an exceptional measure and must not become the standard response in cybercrime investigations.

Dispute Over ₹980 Transaction

According to the petition, Shivhare operates seven composite liquor outlets in Narsinghpur district, with all business transactions routed through a single current account.

In April 2026, the State Bank of India branch in Itarsi froze the account without prior notice. The action was reportedly taken following a cybercrime complaint registered under Section 106 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.

During the hearing, counsel for the petitioner argued that the alleged suspicious transaction involved only ₹980, while the account held more than ₹2,51,72,192.57. The petitioner requested that only the disputed amount be blocked if required for investigation, allowing access to the remaining legitimate funds.

Court Calls for Proportionate Action

Accepting the argument, the High Court observed that investigating agencies must distinguish between the amount allegedly connected to an offence and the lawful funds lying in the account.

The bench said that freezing an entire account despite the disputed amount being minimal was not a proportionate response. Instead, agencies should impose a lien or debit freeze only on the amount necessary for investigation wherever feasible.

The court clarified that complete freezing of an account should be reserved for extraordinary circumstances supported by written reasons.

Banks Also Have Responsibility

The High Court also underlined the role of banks in protecting customers' rights during such proceedings.

It observed that banks cannot simply act as passive executors of police instructions and direct customers to approach investigating agencies or courts. Instead, banks must immediately inform account holders about the reason for freezing, the details of the investigating authority and the available grievance redressal mechanism.

The court described banks as the first point of contact for customers affected by such actions and said they must actively facilitate the resolution process.

Statewide Guidelines Issued

To ensure uniform implementation across Madhya Pradesh, the High Court issued a detailed set of directions for banks, police authorities and investigating agencies.

Under the guidelines:

• Only the disputed amount should be frozen through a lien or debit restriction wherever possible.

• Entire bank accounts should be frozen only in exceptional cases supported by written reasons.

• Investigating officers must promptly inform the jurisdictional magistrate after ordering a bank account freeze.

• Banks must notify account holders about the freezing action, the reasons behind it and the grievance redressal process.

• Complaints received by banks must be uploaded to the designated portal within seven days.

• Investigating officers must pass a reasoned order within 15 days of receiving a complaint.

• If the complaint is accepted, banks must de-freeze the account within 48 hours.

• Where no valid order exists to continue the freeze beyond 90 days, restrictions may be lifted following the prescribed procedure.

• If investigators seek to continue freezing the entire account, they must issue a detailed and reasoned written order.

Court Directs Fresh Decision

The High Court directed the investigating officer to reconsider Shivhare's application in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedure issued on April 10, 2026, along with the principles laid down in the judgment.

The court observed that if securing ₹980 is sufficient for the investigation, the remaining balance should be released immediately. However, if authorities believe freezing the entire account is necessary, they must provide detailed reasons supported by law.

The High Court further instructed the Madhya Pradesh government to circulate the judgment among all banks, police stations, cybercrime units and investigating agencies to ensure a uniform and legally compliant procedure for freezing bank accounts in cybercrime cases across the state.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has expressed serious concern over the growing number of cyber fraud cases in the country, observing that while cybercriminals can siphon off victims' life savings within minutes, law enforcement agencies often take far longer to investigate such crimes.

Hearing a petition related to a ₹6.25 lakh cyber fraud involving an elderly resident of Jabalpur, the court emphasized the need for faster, technology-driven investigations and stronger coordination among police forces, financial institutions, and government agencies.

Justice Vishal Dhagat, who was hearing the matter, remarked that the existing pace of investigation was inadequate to deal with the rapidly evolving nature of cybercrime.

DGPs of Three States Asked to Appear

In a significant move, the High Court directed the Directors General of Police (DGPs) of West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Assam to appear before the court through video conferencing on July 31.

The court also instructed the Superintendent of Police (SP), Jabalpur, to remain personally present during the next hearing.

During the proceedings, the Bench expressed dissatisfaction over the absence of certain officials despite earlier directions, indicating the need for greater accountability in handling cybercrime investigations.

Court Calls for Centralised Cyber Investigation System

The High Court observed that cybercrime investigations often suffer because multiple agencies operate independently without adequate coordination.

To address this challenge, the court directed the Central Government, banks, and investigating agencies to work towards establishing a centralised mechanism for cybercrime investigation.

According to the court, a unified system could significantly improve information sharing, accelerate investigations, and ensure quicker relief for victims of online financial fraud.

Technology and Policing Must Work Together

Justice Dhagat observed that cybercrime has become increasingly sophisticated and cannot be tackled effectively through conventional policing alone.

The court stressed that advanced technological expertise should be integrated with policing systems to improve the detection, investigation, and prosecution of cybercriminals.

The observations reflect growing judicial concern over the increasing complexity of digital financial crimes and the need for law enforcement agencies to strengthen their cyber capabilities.

Assam Police Appreciated

While expressing dissatisfaction with delays in investigation, the High Court also acknowledged an example of effective inter-state coordination.

The court appreciated the Assam Police for arresting the main accused in the case within 11 days and handing over the accused to the Madhya Pradesh Police.

According to the Bench, such prompt cooperation between state police forces demonstrates how coordinated action can significantly improve the fight against cybercrime.

Key Observations Made by the Court

During the hearing, the High Court made several important observations:

• Cybercriminals are capable of causing substantial financial losses within minutes.
• Police and investigating agencies must adopt technology-driven methods to speed up investigations.
• A national-level centralised cybercrime investigation framework should be developed.
• Better coordination among states is essential to ensure the swift arrest of accused persons.
• Victims of cyber fraud should receive timely investigation and relief through an efficient system.

Next Hearing on July 31

The matter has now been listed for July 31, when the DGPs of West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Assam are expected to present their responses before the court through video conferencing. The Jabalpur Superintendent of Police has also been directed to appear in person.

The outcome of the next hearing could influence future measures aimed at strengthening cybercrime investigations and improving coordination among states in tackling online financial fraud.

In Bhilai, police arrested two men in connection with the theft of ₹74,000 from a passenger travelling in an auto-rickshaw. According to Bhilai-3 police, the victim, Arvind Kumar, was carrying cash to deposit at a bank in Charoda when he boarded an auto-rickshaw. Investigators said he was allegedly shifted between seats during the journey before being dropped short of his destination. Upon checking his pocket, he discovered the money was missing.

Police detained the auto driver and his associate on suspicion and later arrested them following questioning. Officials identified the accused as residents of the Jammul area.

In another significant operation, Bhilai police arrested nine youths accused of providing bank accounts to cyber fraud networks in exchange for commission. Investigators said the accused allegedly rented out bank accounts to cyber criminals and received payments ranging from ₹2,000 to ₹10,000.

Police recovered passbooks, ATM cards, cheque books, mobile phones, SIM cards and banking-related documents from the accused. The arrests form part of an ongoing campaign against financial fraud and cybercrime networks operating through mule accounts.

Meanwhile, Utai police arrested two men for allegedly selling liquor illegally near a village gaothan area. Authorities said country liquor bottles were seized during the raid and a case was registered under relevant excise provisions.

Away from police operations, a disturbing assault case has emerged from Chandkhuri village.

A school teacher, Narsingh Barle, alleged that he was attacked after repeatedly opposing the sale of illegal liquor and cannabis in the area. According to the complaint, he was stopped while returning home from school and assaulted after refusing to hand over money for alcohol. The teacher sustained injuries to his head and face and later filed a police complaint.

The victim claimed that illegal liquor and narcotics activities had become a persistent problem in the locality and had negatively affected the social environment. Police have registered an FIR and launched an investigation into the incident.

In a separate case in Jammul, police arrested a man accused of demanding money for alcohol, assaulting a resident and vandalising a vehicle. Investigators said the accused allegedly extorted money before later damaging the victim’s pickup vehicle.

The region also witnessed developments beyond crime and policing.

The Sports and Youth Welfare Department has invited applications for the State Sports Honours and cash awards for athletes, coaches and officials. Applications for various state-level sports recognitions and scholarships can be submitted until August 5, according to departmental officials.

In Rajnandgaon, agricultural trading activity was disrupted after labourers at the Agricultural Produce Market reportedly went on collective leave. The absence of workers affected weighing, loading and auction operations, resulting in lower activity than usual.

Market officials said the mandi typically receives between 30,000 and 35,000 sacks of paddy daily, but operations slowed considerably due to the labour shortage. Authorities are monitoring the situation and attempting to restore normal functioning.

Police in Rajnandgaon also took preventive action against six individuals accused of disturbing public order in separate incidents. The accused were produced before authorities and subsequently sent to jail under preventive provisions aimed at maintaining law and order.

On the political front, Khairagarh witnessed a small but notable shift when ten Congress workers formally joined the Bharatiya Janata Party during a programme held in Gatapar Jungle village.

The induction was carried out in the presence of district and state BJP leaders, who welcomed the new entrants and highlighted the party’s organisational structure and development agenda. BJP leaders claimed that governance initiatives at both the Centre and state levels had encouraged workers from other parties to join their ranks.

The developments collectively reflect a busy day across the region, with law enforcement agencies intensifying action against crime while political activity and local governance issues continue to shape public discourse.

The case came to light after Elathur MLA Vidya Balakrishnan received a WhatsApp call from a man identifying himself as "Rajkumar" from Priyanka Gandhi's Delhi office. The caller allegedly claimed that a cabinet reshuffle was imminent in Kerala and that she could secure a ministerial position by paying ₹3 crore.

According to the MLA, the conversation immediately appeared suspicious. Instead of disconnecting the call, she continued the discussion to gather more information before informing senior Congress leaders and verifying the claim with Priyanka Gandhi's office.

The Congress MP's office confirmed that no such person was authorised to make the call and that the communication was fraudulent. Following the verification, Vidya Balakrishnan lodged a formal complaint with the Kozhikode Cyber Cell, which began an investigation into the alleged impersonation.

The probe has since widened after Priyanka Gandhi's private secretary filed a separate complaint. Police registered an FIR and revealed that similar WhatsApp calls had also been received by Congress MPs Shafi Parambil and Dean Kuriakose, suggesting that multiple public representatives were targeted using the same modus operandi.

Investigators have traced the origin of the WhatsApp calls to Delhi and are examining whether the incidents are part of an organised fraud network attempting to exploit political leaders through impersonation. The case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) along with Section 66D of the Information Technology Act, which deals with cheating by personation using computer resources.

Vidya Balakrishnan said she never believed the offer to be genuine, noting that ministerial appointments are not made through monetary transactions. However, she chose to report the matter after consulting the party leadership so that those responsible could be identified and prevented from targeting others.

Police are now analysing call records, digital evidence and the mobile number used by the accused. Officials believe further complaints may emerge if additional legislators or political leaders received similar calls.

The incident has once again highlighted the growing misuse of impersonation and digital communication platforms in fraud attempts. Authorities have urged public representatives and citizens alike to verify the identity of callers claiming to represent government offices or political leaders before responding to any financial demand.

A resident of Madhya Pradesh's Rewa has allegedly been duped of ₹1 lakh in a cyber fraud after fraudsters lured him into downloading a malicious APK file on the pretext of booking a doctor's appointment. The scammers allegedly accessed the victim's financial information, prematurely withdrew money from a fixed deposit and transferred the amount to a bank account in West Bengal.

Following the complaint, Civil Lines police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the cyber fraud.

Doctor Search Led to Fraud

According to police, the victim, Rajeshwari Prasad Dwivedi, was searching for the contact details of Dr. Devesh Agrawal through the Justdial platform. Shortly after making the enquiry, he received a phone call from a person claiming to assist with the doctor's appointment.

The caller sent a link asking the victim to download an APK file, claiming it was required to generate an appointment receipt for a nominal payment of ₹5. Trusting the caller, the victim downloaded the application.

No money was deducted immediately, leading the victim to believe the process was genuine.

Fraud Detected the Next Day

The following day, the caller informed the victim that the doctor would not be available because it was Sunday and that the appointment would instead be scheduled for Monday.

Soon afterwards, another call raised the victim's suspicion. He checked his financial records and discovered that ₹1 lakh had been withdrawn from a ₹2 lakh fixed deposit held in his son's name with Muthoot Finance.

Police said the fraudsters had managed to prematurely encash part of the fixed deposit and transfer the money to a bank account in West Bengal.

Money Withdrawn Through ATM

Preliminary investigation revealed that after receiving the funds, the accused withdrew ₹70,000 through ATMs in Kolkata, while efforts are underway to trace the remaining amount and identify those involved in the transaction.

Investigators are examining the digital trail and coordinating with financial institutions and cybercrime agencies to identify the beneficiaries of the fraudulent transfers.

Police Warn Against APK Downloads

Civil Lines Police Station in-charge Ashish Mishra said the fraud was executed after the victim unknowingly installed a malicious APK application on his mobile phone.

"Initial investigation has confirmed that ₹1 lakh was fraudulently withdrawn from the fixed deposit and transferred to a bank account in West Bengal. Around ₹70,000 has already been withdrawn. The investigation is continuing," Mishra said.

Advisory for Citizens

Police have advised citizens not to download APK files received through SMS, messaging apps or unknown links, especially when shared by unverified callers claiming to offer banking, healthcare or customer support services.

Officials have also urged people to verify appointment bookings only through hospitals' official websites, verified mobile applications or authorised contact numbers. Anyone suspecting cyber fraud has been advised to immediately contact the National Cyber Crime Helpline (1930) and report the incident through the official cybercrime reporting portal to improve the chances of recovering the stolen money.

Authorities continue to remind the public that cyber criminals frequently exploit online service requests by impersonating legitimate organisations and convincing victims to install malicious applications capable of accessing sensitive financial information.

The investigation into the ₹1.58 crore digital arrest fraud involving a retired laboratory technician in Gwalior has taken a significant turn, with cyber police arresting two cousins from Morena district for their alleged role in routing the defrauded money through cryptocurrency linked to a foreign network.

The accused, identified as Rahul Tomar and Rohit Tomar of Porsa in Morena, were arrested on Friday night. Investigators claim the duo acted as financial facilitators for an international cyber fraud syndicate by converting the stolen funds into cryptocurrency before transferring them further.

According to police, preliminary interrogation revealed that the accused were in contact with a foreign, allegedly Chinese, network through the messaging platform Telegram. The fraud proceeds were reportedly converted into USDT (Tether) using the cryptocurrency exchange Binance, making the money trail more difficult to trace.

During the operation, cyber police recovered 10 ATM cards, three cheque books, two mobile phones and three SIM cards from the accused. Officials believe the seized material could provide crucial leads into the wider financial network involved in the cyber fraud.

The latest arrests come after police had earlier apprehended a businessman from Nashik, Maharashtra, whose bank account allegedly received the first layer of funds transferred by the victim.

Victim Was Kept Under 'Digital House Arrest'

The case revolves around Meenakshi Nakhre, a 69-year-old retired health department laboratory technician from Janakganj in Gwalior. According to investigators, cyber fraudsters impersonated officials of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and contacted her through video calls.

The fraudsters allegedly claimed that she was involved in a money laundering investigation and threatened her with arrest. Over a period of 33 days, they kept her under what has become known as a "digital arrest," preventing her from contacting others while coercing her into liquidating fixed deposits and transferring money to multiple bank accounts under the pretext of verification.

In total, the victim allegedly transferred ₹1.58 crore to accounts controlled by the fraudsters.

Bank Trail Led Investigators to Morena

Cyber investigators tracked the movement of funds by analysing bank transaction records. During the investigation, they found that ₹4 lakh from the fraud amount had been credited to Rahul Tomar's bank account.

During questioning, Rahul allegedly admitted that he had allowed his bank account to be used by his cousin Rohit in exchange for commission. Based on this disclosure, police detained Rohit for further interrogation.

Police claim Rohit confessed to operating as part of a Telegram-based foreign network that purchased USDT using the stolen money before transferring the cryptocurrency onward, a method commonly used to obscure the origin and destination of illicit funds.

Probe Expands into Wider Cyber Network

DSP Cyber Manish Yadav said both accused have been taken into police remand and are being questioned to identify other members of the syndicate. Investigators are also tracing additional bank accounts that received portions of the fraud amount and examining the digital trail created through cryptocurrency transactions.

Officials believe the arrests could help expose a larger interstate and international cyber fraud network involved in digital arrest scams, which have witnessed a sharp rise across India in recent months.

The investigation remains ongoing, and police have indicated that more arrests are possible as they continue to analyse financial records, digital communications and cryptocurrency transactions linked to the case.

The West Bengal government on Thursday announced a series of measures aimed at strengthening women's safety and tackling cybercrime, including the launch of the 'Durga Squad', Women's Help Desks in every police station and dedicated Cyber Crime Help Desks across the state.

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, while unveiling the new initiatives from Nabanna, said the government had adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards crimes against women and directed police to take prompt action on every complaint without any interference.

The Chief Minister said police personnel have been given complete operational freedom to register First Information Reports (FIRs), conduct investigations and proceed against offenders in accordance with the law. He stressed that no complaint related to women's safety should be ignored or suppressed.

As part of the initiative, Women's Help Desks will be established in every police station to provide easier access and support for women seeking assistance. The government said the move is intended to improve complaint registration, counselling and immediate police response.

To enhance security in public places, the state has also launched the 'Durga Squad', a dedicated women-led patrol unit. A total of 213 uniformed personnel riding Royal Enfield Bullet 350 motorcycles will patrol cities and towns across West Bengal, responding quickly to incidents involving women in distress.

The government has also focused on the growing threat of cybercrime by announcing Cyber Crime Help Desks in all police stations. Officials said the specialised units will assist victims of online fraud and ensure faster registration and processing of complaints.

According to the government, every cybercrime complaint received at a police station will be uploaded immediately to the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP). Cases will also be processed through the national cybercrime helpline, 1930, enabling authorities to freeze fraudulent transactions at the earliest and improve the chances of recovering lost money.

Describing cybercrime as an increasing challenge, Chief Minister Adhikari urged people to report incidents without delay, noting that quick reporting significantly improves the effectiveness of financial fraud investigations.

During the event, the Chief Minister also praised Director General of Police Siddhinath Gupta for implementing Women's Help Desks across the state within a short period. He said the police leadership had acted swiftly to strengthen citizen services and improve public safety.

Addressing senior police officers, Adhikari instructed them to ensure that every complaint is registered and investigated strictly according to legal procedures. He emphasised that police stations should function without external influence and that officers would be held accountable for any negligence in handling complaints.

The new measures form part of the state government's broader efforts to strengthen law enforcement, improve women's safety and enhance cybercrime response through better infrastructure and quicker police intervention.

The Gwalior Police Crime Branch has achieved its first major breakthrough in the high-profile digital arrest scam, where a 69-year-old retired lab technician was defrauded of ₹1.58 crore over a grueling 33-day ordeal. On Monday night, a specialized police unit extradited Vitthal Phalse, an iron merchant from Nashik, Maharashtra, to Gwalior.

While Phalse initially proclaimed his innocence, financial audits of his ICICI Bank current account exposed a direct deposit of ₹19.50 lakh from the victim's looted funds, alongside unexplained suspicious velocity transactions totaling ₹1.10 crore over the past six months. Investigators state this confirms his deep involvement in a pan-India mule account syndicate.

Funds Dispersed Across 133 Accounts in 11 States Within 24 Hours

Cyber security experts tracking the money trail revealed a highly sophisticated, multi-layered laundering operation designed to bypass automated banking red flags.

The Laundering Layering Architecture:

├── Victim's Direct Outflow: Sent to 4 primary current accounts (WB, Kerala, CG, MH)

├── The Split Strategy     : Automated routing triggered within 24 hours

└── Final Dispersion       : Scattered across 133 commission-based "mule" accounts

                             spanning 40+ cities and 11 Indian states

Cyber forensic analysts confirmed that these 133 bank accounts are classic "mule accounts"—authentic accounts purchased from low-income individuals or shell companies on a fixed commission basis by cyber cartels to facilitate rapid layering. The operational network spans across Maharashtra, Karnataka, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Gujarat, and Rajasthan.

The 33-Day Digital Arrest Ordeal

The victim, Meenakshi Nakhre (69), a retired Health Department lab technician residing at Sardar Patankar Sahab Ka Bada near Nehru Petrol Pump, Gwalior, became the target of an aggressive psychological operation on May 10, 2026.

The Modus Operandi: Nakhre received calls from numbers +91 7500111409 and +91 7500111865. The caller impersonated 'Ashok Gupta' from the Delhi Telecom Department, claiming an unauthorized mobile number (6768532494) registered under her name was actively being weaponized for international money laundering and illicit cartel trades.

When the senior citizen denied ownership, the scammers staged a high-pressure legal setup. Co-conspirators took over the line masquerading as senior Delhi Police IPS officers and CBI investigators. They issued an ultimatum: either report to Delhi within two hours or face immediate arrest.

Using Skype/video communication tools, they kept her under a state of constant "digital arrest" inside her house for 33 days, cutting off her contact with family and forcing her to liquidate assets worth ₹1,57,90,000 into their control accounts.

Part of a Larger Syndicate, Says CSP Robin Jain

Gwalior City Superintendent of Police (CSP) Robin Jain stated that the first arrest has unraveled a massive systemic network.

Financial Recovery Log:

├── Direct Scam Inflow: ₹19.50 Lakh (Traced to Vitthal Phalse's ICICI account)

├── Asset Protection  : Remaining balance in Phalse's account frozen by Crime Branch

└── External Audit    : ₹1.10 Crore in unexplained non-business transactions detected

"Our teams have successfully secured the first arrest from Nashik, Maharashtra. While the iron merchant attempted to frame himself as an oblivious trader, his current account data suggests he was acting as a primary receiver for cyber syndicates. We have frozen the available balance in his account and have initiated rigorous custodial interrogation to map out the developers behind this multi-state network," CSP Jain confirmed.

Gwalior Crime Branch has notified the cyber cells of neighboring states to cross-verify the ₹1.10 crore suspicious transactions against pending digital arrest complaints on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCCRP).

Accused Nageshwar Singh Baghel picked up from Purwa Kalyanpur village in joint operation; cyber cell investigating social media post and possible foreign link

A man was arrested from Rewa district on Sunday for allegedly posting obscene and derogatory comments on social media against Aditi Yadav, the daughter of former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and Samajwadi Party national president Akhilesh Yadav.

The Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF), along with the Kanpur Commissionerate Cyber Crime Police and Rewa police, conducted a joint operation to apprehend the accused. Nageshwar Singh Baghel (32), a resident of Purwa Kalyanpur village under Panwar police station limits in Rewa district, was taken into custody from his village.

The case originated from a complaint filed by the National Secretary of the Samajwadi Party Advocates' Wing at the Cyber Crime Police Station in Kanpur Commissionerate. The complaint alleged that a Facebook user had shared an altered image of Akhilesh Yadav's daughter along with vulgar and derogatory remarks.

Following the complaint, police registered Case No. 38/2026 at the Cyber Crime Police Station under multiple sections: Section 79 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with words or acts intended to insult a woman's modesty; Section 336(4) of the BNS, relating to forgery intended to damage a person's reputation; and Section 66E of the Information Technology Act, which addresses privacy violations in cyberspace.

The Cyber Crime Police launched an investigation, examining technical data obtained from the social media platform along with digital evidence and electronic records. The investigation led them to Rewa in Madhya Pradesh.

An STF team from Uttar Pradesh reached Madhya Pradesh and, with the help of local police, traced the accused. Panwar police station in-charge Praveen Upadhyay led the local team that conducted the joint operation and took Baghel into custody. After completing necessary legal formalities, the accused was handed over to the Uttar Pradesh STF and taken to Uttar Pradesh for further questioning.

Police officials said the investigation is ongoing. Authorities are also looking into whether any other individuals or digital platforms are linked to the case. Investigators have found that one of the social media accounts linked to the controversy was allegedly being operated from the United States.

Kanpur Commissioner of Police Raghubir Lal said the police are committed to protecting the dignity, respect and safety of women. "Sharing edited images, false information, offensive comments or any content on social media that damages a woman's reputation is a punishable offence, and strict legal action will be taken against those involved," he said.

Earlier, on June 17, FIRs were registered against multiple individuals accused of making objectionable comments about Akhilesh Yadav's daughter. The controversy had drawn widespread condemnation, with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath publicly defending Aditi Yadav and directing police to register an FIR against those responsible.

Following his arrest, Baghel was produced before a court, which later granted him bail.

Police officials have made it clear that social media platforms are being continuously monitored for objectionable and offensive content, and strict legal action will be taken in such cases. Further investigation is underway.