Maharashtra CM Warns Against Digital Arrest Scams

Chief Minister's Warning on Fraudulent Video Calls

On February 24, in Mumbai, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also oversees the Home Department, urged citizens to disregard any video calls claiming to involve a 'digital arrest,' clarifying that such a concept does not exist legally.

He explained that scammers often impersonate law enforcement officials through video calls to create a false sense of a 'virtual jail.'

During a discussion in the state Assembly, responding to a query from member Abu Azmi, the Chief Minister pointed out the sophisticated tactics employed by these fraudsters, asserting that no legitimate government or law enforcement body would ever conduct an arrest via video call.

Fadnavis emphasized the critical importance of the first hour after a fraud occurs, known as the 'golden hour.' Reporting incidents promptly to the 1930 helpline or the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal significantly increases the chances of freezing transactions and recovering lost funds.

He noted that timely complaints within this golden hour enable police to trace transaction paths and prevent further progress.

"No official agency will ever demand money or conduct arrests through video calls. If you receive such a call, hang up and report it to 1930 immediately," he advised.

The Chief Minister highlighted Maharashtra's establishment of India's most advanced cybersecurity center, which serves as a model for other states in tracking digital footprints and combating fake call centers.

He recounted two instances where a retired IAS officer and a senior naval officer fell victim to these scams, reiterating his warning against engaging with calls about digital arrests. He also stressed the importance of the golden hour for tracking cases and recovering funds.

Fadnavis mentioned that the central government is rolling out a nationwide awareness campaign against cyber crimes, with the state government also striving to educate citizens about these threats. He revealed that Maharashtra has successfully dismantled several syndicates, with 145 significant cyber fraud cases recorded between late 2025 and early 2026, involving losses exceeding Rs 129 crore.

Minister of State for Home (Urban) Yogesh Kadam noted that in Ahilyanagar, police have held Rs 78 lakh of a total Rs 87 lakh from a victim for two months following the registration of the offense.

He urged citizens to report cybercrime incidents, including those related to digital arrests, during the golden hour.

CM Fadnavis later assured the Assembly that victims would receive the funds currently on hold during investigations.