Taking a firm stand against organised online fraud, the Supreme Court on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, described cybercrime as “digital dacoity” and refused to combine criminal cases filed against 2 people across 12 states.
The cases concern allegations that Gourab Kumar Saha and Nidhi Bhandari allowed their company’s bank account to be used as a mule account to facilitate cybercrime. A 3-judge Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana rejected their request, saying such proceedings must not interfere with investigations across different states.
“Digital arrests and such cyber offences are digital dacoity… there is no question of giving any judicial forum to such persons,” the Bench said.
The Chief Justice strongly condemned organised cybercrime networks that target senior citizens through digital arrest scams and called for strict action against those involved.
“An 81-year-old from Ernakulam (Kerala) was defrauded of ₹1.90 crore and his money was deposited in your mule account,” the CJI said.
“You decided to use the account of your company for cybercrime like digital arrest,” the Bench told the petitioners.
Justice Bagchi questioned why victims should have to travel to Delhi simply because the accused wanted the cases consolidated there. He said the convenience of the accused could not take priority over the rights of victims and investigating agencies.
“Your right to seek transfer of cases to a place of your convenience cannot override the right of the victims and the investigating agency… We can consider it if Delhi police say so for the convenience of investigation. We do not take your weight to dilute the investigation across the country,” Justice Bagchi said.
The Chief Justice also questioned whether victims whose money had been transferred to Hong Kong and Bangkok should be required to travel there to seek justice.
The petitioners eventually withdrew their plea. A total of 35 cybercrime cases remain pending against them in states including Delhi, Maharashtra, Kerala, Telangana and Gujarat.
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