New Delhi, October 27 : The Supreme Court on Monday expressed its intent to transfer the investigation of all ‘digital arrest’ cases across India to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), citing the widespread nature of this emerging cybercrime. The court also sought details of all First Information Reports (FIRs) registered in various states and union territories related to such incidents.
As per agency report, ‘digital arrest’ is a form of online fraud in which scammers impersonate officials of government agencies or the police, falsely accuse victims of breaking the law, and extort money through threats and coercion.
A bench of Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi issued notices to all states and union territories, taking suo motu cognizance of a case involving an elderly woman who was defrauded by cybercriminals through this method. The court adjourned the hearing to November 3.
The bench considered the submission of Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who represented the CBI and stated that many of these cybercrime and ‘digital arrest’ cases originate from foreign locations such as Myanmar and Thailand. The Supreme Court directed the CBI to prepare a comprehensive plan for investigating these cases effectively.
The court observed that it would monitor the progress of the investigation and issue necessary directions to ensure proper coordination. It also asked the CBI whether it required additional resources, including external cyber experts, beyond the existing police infrastructure to handle such complex cases.
Earlier, the apex court had taken note of the growing number of online frauds, particularly those involving fake judicial orders used to intimidate citizens through ‘digital arrests’. It had sought responses from the Centre and the CBI by October 17, remarking that such crimes strike at the very foundation of public trust in the judicial system.
The court took cognizance of a case from Ambala, Haryana, where a senior couple was allegedly subjected to a ‘digital arrest’ and extorted of Rs 1.05 crore through forged court and investigation agency documents. The bench stated that this was not a routine criminal case to be left to the police alone but one requiring coordinated efforts between central and state authorities to fully expose the criminal network behind it.
