Supreme Court Issues Notices To CBI, Centre & Haryana Over ‘Digital Arrest’ Fraud Case

The Supreme Court has issued notices to the CBI, the Central Government, the Haryana Government, and the Ambala Cyber Crime Department after taking suo motu cognisance of a ‘digital arrest’ case that has sent shockwaves across the country.

A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi issued the notice, calling for comprehensive responses from all concerned authorities.

The court emphasised the urgent need to expose the growing syndicate responsible for defrauding citizens of their life savings through sophisticated online scams.

While delivering the order, the court observed that forged documents and false claims of CBI and Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigations have surfaced in multiple proceedings before the Bombay High Court.

The judges remarked that the criminal misuse of the judiciary’s name, seal, and authority poses a serious threat to public trust in the legal system.

“The circulation of forged judicial orders bearing fake signatures of judges undermines the very foundation of faith in our judiciary,” the bench stated, adding that such acts amount to a direct assault on the credibility of the nation’s legal institutions.

Triggering Incident in Ambala

Cyber fraudsters in Ambala defrauded retired Haryana Roadways auditor Shashibala Sachdeva and her husband of approximately ₹1.5 crore (15 million rupees).

Cyber fraudsters posing as CBI officials allegedly held the couple under ‘digital arrest’ for 13 days, during which they endured mental harassment, threats, and intimidation.

According to the complaint, the victim received a WhatsApp call on 3 September from a woman claiming to represent the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).

She falsely accused the victim of involvement in a money laundering case. The scammers then impersonated CBI officers and coerced the couple into transferring large sums of money.

Following the incident, law enforcement agencies arrested the accused.

The CBI also intensified its operations across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, where cybercriminals had defrauded thousands of people through fake online investment schemes run via social media platforms.

The court noted that such scams are not isolated, as similar reports have repeatedly surfaced in the media.

In one alarming instance, cyber fraudsters even targeted Chief Justice of India BR Gavai, defrauding two elderly Nashik residents of ₹6.72 crore under the guise of a ‘digital court summons’ in the CJI’s name.

The Supreme Court stressed the need for enhanced cyber vigilance and coordination among national and state-level agencies.

It directed the respondents to submit detailed reports outlining steps to dismantle such syndicates and prevent future misuse of judicial identities.

The matter will be heard again after the concerned authorities file their responses, marking a pivotal moment in India’s fight against rising digital frauds.

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