What is Digital Arrest? India’s Fastest Growing Cybercrime Explained by Cyber Security Expert
DIGITAL ARREST:
You received an unknown call or video call, and someone said that you have committed some cybercrime, like online betting games; creating a fake profile, like or watching pornography content; or using abusive language on a social media platform, etc. Now you are under arrest. Don’t move anywhere; our higher authority will connect you soon. Don’t disconnect the call. If you do not follow our instructions immediately, we will send some police officers to your home to arrest you. Kindly cooperate as per police higher authority. Now you are connecting to a senior officer from the cybercrime department, Mumbai Crime Branch.
Now someone looking higher, a police officer, is on video calling, and they ask about more queries against such cybercrime. You are very under pressure and don’t imagine what is happening because they don’t give you time to think about such cybercrime, really, whether you did it or not. In such a scenario, whatever they ask of you, you are doing as per their instructions. After some time they will ask you if you want to close this case; you have to pay some certain amount for settlement. Under too much pressure and fear, you may pay some money to such fraudsters against such cases.
This is the new kind of cybercrime in the cyberworld. This crime total works on your fear. Dear, if you’re in fear during or calling for it, then you will be a victim of digital arrest or a victim of cybercrime. In India in recent years, in 2025-26, common people are digitally arrested for lack of cybersecurity awareness in society. Such things are happening again and again after many government cybersecurity initiatives. The Indian government many times released press notes and awareness notifications through social media platforms, television, and cyber awareness advertisements, but again, people are becoming victims of digital arrest and losing their hard-earned money to fraudulent accounts. Sometimes many people are bothered by criminals due to this; they lose money as well as their lives. The Supreme Court of India already has a guideline that no one can be arrested digitally in India; there are no such provisions to arrest any citizen digitally. It’s the only thing to avoid such cybercrime; people should know that no one can arrest you through digital media. If you get such calls or any online communications, don’t be afraid; immediately complain to the National Cyber Crime Helpline number 1930 or go through a nearby police station.
Author
Prof. Shivam Varshi
Cyber Security Department NIIST Bhopal