The Cyber Team of the Bhopal Crime Branch has arrested two individuals — including a minor and a point-of-sale (POS) agent — from Alwar, Rajasthan, for creating a fake Facebook profile using the name and photo of the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP), Crime Branch, Bhopal. The fake profile was being used to mislead the public and potentially commit fraud.
The matter came to light when a complainant informed the police about a suspicious Facebook profile impersonating the senior police officer. Due to the sensitivity of the identity involved, the Crime Branch promptly lodged an FIR and launched a cyber investigation. Investigations revealed the involvement of an organized cyber fraud gang. The gang had first activated a SIM card using the credentials of a minor boy. POS agent Birbal Prajapat (40), a resident of the Laxmangarh police station area in Alwar, allegedly lured the minor with Rs 1500 to obtain the SIM. The activated SIM was later sold to a cyber fraudster for Rs 3000, who used it to create and operate fake social media profiles, including the impersonation of the ADCP.
Based on technical surveillance and digital evidence, a Cyber Team from Bhopal conducted a raid in Alwar and successfully arrested Birbal Prajapat along with the minor accomplice. During interrogation, both admitted to their roles in the cyber fraud operation. Authorities stated that this arrest may lead to uncovering a larger cybercrime network operating across states.
Investigations are ongoing to determine whether the same gang has created other fake profiles or committed financial frauds using similar methods.
The Crime Branch has reiterated its commitment to protecting citizens and officials from digital impersonation and warned the public to remain vigilant against such online scams.