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CM Fadnavis Warns of "Digital Arrest" Scam, Urges Public to Hang Up

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has issued a stern warning about a sophisticated "digital arrest" scam, where fraudsters impersonate police or CBI officials on video calls to create a false virtual jail. He emphasized that no government agency conducts arrests via video call and urged citizens to hang up immediately and report to the 1930 helpline. The first 60 minutes after a fraud are critical, as reporting within this "golden hour" significantly increases the chance of freezing transactions and recovering funds. The state has a model cyber security center and has cracked down on syndicates, recording 145 major cyber fraud cases involving over ₹129 crore.

Key Points: Digital Arrest Scam: CM Fadnavis Says Hang Up, Call 1930

  • Scammers use video calls to fake arrests
  • Report within first "golden hour" to 1930
  • Maharashtra has advanced cyber security center
  • State recorded 145 major cyber fraud cases
  • Awareness campaigns against cyber crime underway
3 min read

Digital arrest non existent, hang up video call and report to 1930: CM Fadnavis appeals to citizens

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis warns citizens about fraudulent "digital arrest" video calls by scammers impersonating police. Report immediately to 1930.

"No government agency or police officer will ever arrest you over a video call or demand money to settle a case. - Devendra Fadnavis"

Mumbai, Feb 24

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also holds the Home portfolio, on Tuesday appealed to the citizens not to respond to any video call about digital arrest as it is non existent and there is no legal provision for a "digital arrest."

Scammers impersonating police or CBI officials use video calls to create a "virtual jail" environment, which is entirely fraudulent.

Intervening during reply to a question by member Abu Azmi in the state Assembly during question hour, the Chief Minister highlighted the sophisticated nature of these frauds and emphasised that no government or law enforcement agency will ever conduct an "arrest" via a video call.

He stressed the importance of the first 60 minutes, the golden hour, after a fraud occurs. If reported immediately to the 1930 helpline or the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal, there is a much higher chance of freezing the transaction and recovering funds.

The chief minister said if the complaint is made within a golden hour, it will help the police to trace the transaction trail and hold it from proceeding ahead.

"No government agency or police officer will ever arrest you over a video call or demand money to settle a case. If you receive such a call, hang up and report it immediately to 1930," he noted.

He noted that Maharashtra has developed the most advanced cyber security center in India, which is now being used as a model by other states to track digital footprints and curb fake call centers.

The CM referred two cases about how a retired IAS officer and senior naval officer fell prey to such calls and reiterated the citizens not to respond to such calls declaring digital arrest. He also emphasised the importance of golden hour to track the case and recover the money.

The chief minister said the central government is implementing a comprehensive awareness campaign against cyber crimes across the country so also the state government is also making all efforts to make citizens aware of these crimes. Earlier, the chief minister revealed that the state has successfully cracked down on several syndicates. Between late 2025 and early 2026, 145 major cyber arrest cases were recorded, involving frauds worth over Rs 129 crore.

The Minister of State for Home (Urban) Yogesh Kadam said that in Ahilyanagar despite two months after the registration of offence by a victim the police have kept on hold Rs 78 lakh of the total Rs 87 lakh.

He appealed to the citizens to soon report cyber crime related cases including digital arrest during golden hour.

CM Fadnavis later told the Assembly that the victim would get the money that have been put on hold during the investigation.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good that the CM is speaking up. But awareness needs to reach every corner, especially in rural areas and to our elders who are not tech-savvy. The 1930 number should be advertised like emergency numbers.
A
Arjun K
"Golden hour" concept is crucial. Once the money moves through multiple wallets, it's gone forever. Immediate reporting is the only way. Kudos to Maharashtra police for recovering so much. Hope other states learn from their cyber center model.
S
Sarah B
It's shocking that even a retired IAS officer and a naval officer got tricked. These scammers are very sophisticated and play on fear. The advice is simple: NO government official will ever ask for money over a call. Just hang up.
V
Vikram M
While the appeal is good, the real solution lies with telecom companies and social media platforms. How are these VOIP calls from foreign numbers not being blocked? The onus can't be only on citizens to be vigilant 24/7.
M
Meera T
Please educate your parents and grandparents! Sit with them and explain this. They trust anyone who says "police" or "CBI". Make sure they have the 1930 number saved in their phones. A little effort from us can save their life savings. ❤️

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