Metro India News | Hyderabad 

Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police have arrested a man involved in digital arrest fraud. The suspect, identified as Ranjit Kumar, a 42-year-old software employee from Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, was apprehended in connection with a cyber fraud case. He has been linked to four cases across India and two in Telangana. 

The fraud came to light when a 72-year-old retired government employee from Hyderabad was contacted by an individual impersonating a Mumbai Airport official. The caller falsely claimed that a parcel containing narcotic drugs was registered under the victim’s name and warned of legal consequences unless clearance was obtained. The victim was then connected to someone pretending to be an officer from the Mumbai Crime Branch, who further intimidated him by alleging that several bank accounts in multiple states were under his name. Under pressure, the victim transferred Rs 19,61,045 to a fraudulent account. 

The fraudsters used social media, WhatsApp calls, and internet-based communication channels to target victims. They often posed as officials from CBI, ED, Cyber Crime Department, and telecom agencies, pressuring victims to act immediately. By exploiting fear, they manipulated their targets into depositing money into scam accounts, claiming official authorization from the Reserve Bank of India and the Supreme Court. Once funds were transferred, all communication was cut off. 

During the investigation, police seized a mobile phone and an IDBI cheque book from the accused. The case was cracked by a team led by Inspector S. Mattam Raju, along with officers Sunil Kumar, B. Bhaskar, P. Ashok, M. Ganesh, P. Sainath, M. Rajender, K. Ajay Kumar, and M. G. Sudharshan. 

Authorities urge the public to remain cautious against cyber fraud. Citizens should avoid answering calls from unknown numbers and stay alert when receiving suspicious calls from individuals impersonating government officials. Officials clarified that genuine government agencies do not conduct digital arrests or demand money through online inquiries.  Victims of cyber fraud are advised to report incidents immediately by calling 1930 or visiting https: // cybercrime.gov.in. Investigations into related fraudulent activities continue.