The Chandigarh Cybercrime Cell has apprehended two individuals involved in a sophisticated digital arrest scam that defrauded a local resident of over Rs 77 lakh. The accused have been identified as Sajid Ahmed Patel, aged 30, from Maharashtra, and Shayeed Rafiq Mullah, aged 37.
Victim Tricked by Fake Crime Branch Officers
On July 10, the victim received a call from a person impersonating an officer from the crime branch. She was falsely informed that her Aadhaar card was connected to a money laundering case in Mumbai. Using WhatsApp calls, the fraudsters displayed counterfeit arrest warrants and fake Supreme Court orders to intimidate her. Coerced by these tactics, the woman transferred Rs 77,42,420 into four different bank accounts as demanded by the scammers.
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Police Investigation and Arrests
Upon receiving the complaint, the cybercrime cell launched an investigation that revealed the involvement of Sajid and Shayeed. Subsequent raids led to the arrest of both men. Authorities recovered multiple mobile phones, bank cards, as well as Aadhaar and PAN cards from their possession. Additionally, the police secured a lien on Rs 20,16,300 found in related bank accounts connected to the case.
Separate Drug-Related Arrest Made in Sector 56
In another incident, police apprehended a 30-year-old woman named Kajal from Sector 56, Maloya, for possession of 11.10 grams of heroin. She was unable to produce any licence or permit for possession of the narcotic substance. A case was registered under Section 21 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. Kajal was subsequently sent to police custody for two days as per court orders.
Advisory for Readers
Always verify calls claiming to be from police or government agencies. Never share personal details or send money over phone or WhatsApp. If you receive suspicious calls, hang up and report to local police or cybercrime cell. If scammed, immediately call the national cybercrime helpline at 1930 or 1903 to report the fraud.
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