No Such Thing as Digital Arrest, It’s 100% Fraud: CM Devendra Fadnavis Urges Citizens to Dial 1930 Immediately

The Central and State governments are carrying out large-scale awareness campaigns against “digital arrest” scams. Advertisements are even being played as caller tunes. Yet, incidents of fraud continue to occur every day. “Digital arrest is nothing but a complete hoax. If anyone receives such a call, they should immediately lodge a complaint by dialling 1930,” appealed Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The Maharashtra Budget Session is currently underway. In the Legislative Assembly, Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi raised the issue of digital arrest scams.

Azmi pointed out that incidents of digital arrest are rapidly increasing across the country. A large number of people are falling victim to such scams, losing crores of rupees. He urged the state government to take stronger measures and expand awareness campaigns to prevent such crimes. Minister of State for Home Yogesh Kadam responded to the query. However, Chief Minister Fadnavis later elaborated in detail on the issue.

‘Digital Arrest’ Is 100% Fraud

“The Minister has given the correct reply. Since discussions in this House reach the entire state, I want to clearly inform both the members of this House and the citizens of Maharashtra that there is no such concept as digital arrest. No law permits anyone to carry out a digital arrest. Therefore, if you receive a phone or video call claiming digital arrest, understand immediately that it is a fraud — 100% fraud. Under no law can anyone digitally arrest you,” Fadnavis clarified.

Entire Operation Often Run from Abroad

Explaining the modus operandi, Fadnavis said that victims receive a phone or video call from someone claiming to be a CBI or police officer. The caller typically alleges that a parcel in the victim’s name contains drugs. The victim is then told not to move and to remain in front of the screen. To “resolve” the issue, the fraudsters demand money. Out of fear, many people transfer funds.

He noted that not only common citizens but also senior officials and retired officers have fallen prey to such scams. Once the money is transferred, it is quickly routed through multiple accounts and often sent abroad. In several cases, investigations have revealed that the entire operation is being conducted from foreign countries.

Fadnavis further advised that if anyone receives such a call, they should immediately dial 1930 — the national cybercrime helpline number. “A robust system is in place. If you report the incident within the first hour — the golden hour — there is a strong possibility that your money can be recovered,” he said.