Kashipur resident duped of Rs 45.4 lakh through 36-hour digital arrest, accused arrested
Monday, 09 DECEMBER 2024 | PNS | DEHRADUN
The Uttarakhand Special Task Force (STF) arrested an Uttar Pradesh resident Pankaj Kumar (29) from Lucknow on charges of duping a resident of Kashipur, Udham Singh Nagar district of Rs 45.5 lakh during a 36-hour long digital arrest. The deputy superintendent of police of STF cyber crime police station Ankush Mishra said that the accused allegedly impersonated officials from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and Mumbai Crime Branch to digitally arrest the victim through WhatsApp video and voice calls for approximately 36 hours. He claimed the victim was implicated in a Rs 20 crore Hawala scam linked to his Aadhaar number and mobile account. Mishra said that using fabricated FIRs and legal documents, the accused coerced the victim into isolating himself and transferring Rs 45.4 lakh into designated accounts under the pretext of verification. The victim realised the fraud after complying with all instructions. The DSP said that investigation revealed that the accused operated through fake bank accounts opened in others’ names, using them to launder stolen funds. He also activated internet banking facilities for these accounts to manage transactions. Preliminary bank statements of the accused’s HDFC account indicate transactions worth crores between December 2023 and July 2024, he said. The STF seized a mobile phone, two SIM cards and a Punjab National Bank cheque book from the accused. Further investigations unveiled multiple complaints and FIRs against him across several States, including Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Gujarat, Odisha and Telangana, Mishra said. He also emphasised that digital arrest is a scam spreading nationwide. Citizens are urged to report such frauds immediately at 1930 or via www.cybercrime.gov.in. Public awareness is crucial to combat cybercrime effectively. The STF senior superintendent of police Navneet Singh also commended the cyber police team for their relentless efforts in tracking and apprehending the accused, ensuring justice for the victim.
