CBI Arrests Key Operative in Rajkot Over Digital Scam

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Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has detained a suspect in Rajkot, Gujarat, linked to a digital extortion scheme involving social engineering and fake legal threats.

The Arrest and Investigation

The suspect was detained as part of an investigation into a cyber extortion operation escalated to the CBI by the Supreme Court. The case involves a targeted “digital arrest” scam that coerced an elderly individual into transferring funds under false pretenses.

Scam Details and Tactics

Perpetrators used encrypted communication channels to impersonate officials from national security and counter-terrorism agencies. They fabricated threats about the victim’s bank account being linked to terror financing, claiming an arrest warrant and asset seizure had been issued.

Fraudulent Documents and Coercion

Scammers provided high-resolution, forged documents resembling official judicial orders with authentic-looking agency seals. The victim was pressured to transfer ₹25.65 lakh into two accounts under the guise of a temporary government audit, with no opportunity to contact family members.

The Suspect and Network

The suspect, identified as Shankar Pansari, alias Shankar Rajput, operated from Rajkot while coordinating with a network in Karnal, Haryana. Federal cyber units traced the operation using IP address tracking and banking transaction analysis.

Investigative Measures

Pansari is accused of managing illicit accounts that received fraudulent funds. The CBI is conducting intensive interrogations to uncover technical collaborators and beneficiaries of the stolen assets.

Legal and Public Advisories

Legal experts and law enforcement emphasize that “digital arrests” are non-existent under Indian law. No governmental body, court, or police unit has authority to impose detention via video call or demand immediate private financial transactions to resolve legal issues.

Public Safety Recommendations

Citizens are advised to disregard unsolicited calls alleging security violations, terminate interactions immediately, and report incidents to the national cybercrime grievance portal (1930) to enable swift account freezes.

“Digital arrests are non-existent under Indian law. No governmental body, court, or police unit has the authority to impose detention via video call or demand immediate private financial transactions to resolve legal issues.”

Case Significance and Trends

The case highlights evolving cybercriminal tactics leveraging social engineering and digital deception to exploit trust in institutional authority. Continued public awareness and robust investigative measures remain critical in combating such threats.