The Supreme Court on Monday said it is inclined to entrust to the CBI the probe into digital arrest cases after taking into consideration the magnitude and pan-India spread of such crimes, and sought details of FIRs registered in different States and Union territories.
A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi issued notices to all States and UTs on digital arrest cases. Digital arrest is a growing form of cybercrime in which fraudsters pose as law enforcement officials or personnel of Government agencies to intimidate victims through audio and video calls. They hold the victims hostage and put pressure on them to pay.
The top court has taken cognisance of a glaring case of the so-called digital arrest of a senior citizen couple in Haryana’s Ambala on the basis of forged orders of the court and probe agencies by fraudsters to extortRS 1.05 crore.
“Meanwhile, let notice be issued to all States and Union Territories through their standing counsel, returnable on November 3, 2025. The States and Union Territories are directed to furnish details of the cases of cyber arrest pending investigation in their respective jurisdiction. In this regard, they need not file any formal counter affidavit,” the bench ordered.
The top court noted the submissions of Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre and the CBI, that cybercrime and digital arrest cases are originating from offshore locations like Myanmar and Thailand and directed the probe agency to come up with a plan to probe these cases. “We will monitor the progress of the CBI investigation, issue whatever directions are necessary,” it said.
Mehta, who furnished a note to the bench, said that the CBI is already probing similar cases and what it has found is beyond expectations and, therefore, the agency may need some important directions.
President warns of digital arrest threat
New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu, addressing IPS probationers at Rashtrapati Bhavan, highlighted how technology has transformed policing, citing “digital arrest” scams as a major new threat where fraudsters impersonate police to extort money. She urged officers to stay ahead of criminals by adopting new technologies like AI responsibly. Murmu stressed that effective policing is vital for maintaining law and order, attracting investment, and supporting India’s economic growth. Emphasising compassionate and ethical leadership, she urged young officers to maintain empathy while exercising authority, ensuring fairness and integrity.
AI and extortion
Faridabad: A 19-year-old youth in Faridabad allegedly died by suicide after being blackmailed that morphed obscene pictures of his three sisters and him would be released online. The deceased was asked to cough up Rs 20,000. The vicrim was identified as Rahul, a second-year BCom student at DAV College.
In its complaint, the family said that Rahul’s mobile phone was hacked about two weeks ago. Following which, the hackers used AI to create nude photos and videos of Rahul and his three sisters. They sent fake photos and videos via WhatsApp and demanded demanded payment from Rahul. “This case is a serious example of cybercrime in which AI has been misused. The accused will be arrested soon,” said Vishnu Prasad, SHO of Faridabad Old police station.