Indore: Digital Arrest Attempt Police Station In-Charge

Indore (Madhya Pradesh): A cyber fraudster impersonating an intelligence wing officer attempted ‘digital house arrest’ of Pardeshipura Police Station in-charge Pankaj Dwivedi. TI Dwivedi said he received a WhatsApp call on November 28 from a number displaying a senior police officer's profile picture.

The caller posed as an intelligence officer, verified Dwivedi's name and location and then asked, ‘Who is Sanskar Dwivedi?’ Dwivedi responded that Sanskar was his son. The fraudster continued to inquire whether Sanskar was studying or working and asked about his current location. Dwivedi replied, “He is at home, and I am also at home.”

When the fraudster insisted on speaking to Sanskar directly, Dwivedi refused and disconnected the call, having recognized it as a cyber-fraud attempt. Dwivedi asked a constable to record a video of the incident to spread awareness about concept of digital arrests. Dwivedi further revealed that he has received more than five similar calls in the past few years.

Recently, a caller impersonating a customs officer accused him of having narcotic substance in his consignment. In another incident, a fraudster claimed to be calling from Tees Hazari Court and alleged that Dwivedi had connections to a terrorist. This was the second attempt in a week where a city police officer was targeted for ‘digital house arrest’.

Earlier, fraudsters tried to dupe Additional DCP Crime Branch Rajesh Dandotiya using an automated call about ‘credit card misuse’ when he was addressing a press conference on November 24.

What Is a Digital Arrest?

Under digital arrest, cybercriminals intimidate victims by threatening legal action and coercing them into isolation under the guise of ‘digital surveillance.’ The fraudsters then extort money, claiming it is necessary to "clear" the victim of charges. Authorities urge citizens to remain vigilant and report such fraudulent activities to avoid falling prey to cybercriminals.