Digital Arrest Scam: Delhi HC Petition Seeks CBI Investigation into ₹1.06 Crore Fraud

The Delhi High Court has been approached by a 63-year-old former government servant seeking transfer of the investigation into her “digital arrest” complaint to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

According to the writ petition, between November 1 and November 19, 2025, the woman was harassed and coerced by fraudsters posing as officials from the Mumbai Crime Branch. She was falsely told that her Aadhaar number was linked to terrorist funding and that she faced imminent arrest. The accused placed her under continuous “digital surveillance” through video and phone calls, instructing her not to contact anyone during this period.

The fraudsters also sent a purported arrest warrant to her mobile phone and shared forged documents bearing the names of the Mumbai Police, Enforcement Directorate, Reserve Bank of India, Securities and Exchange Board of India, and the Supreme Court via WhatsApp.

Under duress, the petitioner transferred ₹1.06 crore to multiple bank accounts provided by the accused.

The matter was reported to the Intelligence Fusion and Strategic Operations (IFSO) unit of the Delhi Police and on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal on November 20. An FIR was registered, beneficiary accounts were identified, and lien marking was initiated. About ₹40 lakh was frozen. However, despite an application filed on December 13 for release of the funds, the petitioner received only ₹6 lakh till April 2026, said Rohan Gupta, counsel for the petitioner.

Citing delays in the investigation and limited recovery of the defrauded amount, the petitioner has sought transfer of the case to the CBI. “In eight months, the police have only issued notices to account holders in Telangana and Kerala,” Mr. Gupta submitted.

In its status report, the Delhi Police stated that ₹1.06 crore was transferred in four transactions — ₹20 lakh through a Delhi-based account linked to four persons, ₹47 lakh to an account in Telangana, and ₹39 lakh to one in Kerala. The police said that the Delhi-based accused linked to the first layer of transactions have been arrested. Notices have been issued to the other account holders, but they have not joined the investigation despite repeated summons. The police informed the court that steps are being taken to initiate non-bailable warrants against those who have failed to cooperate.

Mr. Gupta further alleged that recovery has been hindered by procedural issues. “It was only after intervention by a district court that it came to light that the frozen funds could not be retrieved. The bank informed the court that the ‘freezing’ was only a ‘shadow freeze’, following which the transaction had been reversed. Subsequently, the investigating agency advised the petitioner to accept ₹20 lakh from the Delhi-based accused, stating that recovery of the remaining amount would take time,” he said.

Digital arrest scams, in which fraudsters impersonate law enforcement and keep victims under video surveillance, have become a growing concern in India. Authorities have repeatedly issued advisories urging citizens to remain cautious. In the present case, the petitioner argues that a CBI inquiry is necessary to ensure a thorough investigation and faster recovery of her savings.

The matter is expected to be heard next in due course.