In a fresh case of cyber fraud, Inspector General of the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) Kiran Rathore was targeted by conmen who attempted to trap him in a so called “digital arrest” on Thursday night.
The senior police officer received a call from an unknown number. The caller first asked if Rathore was “Bhopaliya” and when denied, claimed to be Inspector Ranjit Kumar from Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Soon the tone turned threatening as the caller alleged that Rathore’s official number had been used for terrorist communication and that he would now face a “digital arrest” followed by custody.
“I immediately realized it was a fraud attempt,” Rathore stated in his complaint. “But the caller kept pressing, trying to create panic.” The officer disconnected the call and lodged a complaint at Mahanagar police station.
Police have begun tracing the number involved in the attempt. “The fact that cyber fraudsters are targeting not only ordinary citizens but also police officials shows how emboldened they have become,” said Inspector Akhilesh Mishra, who is leading the inquiry.
Experts warn that such scams are spreading rapidly across India. Fraudsters commonly impersonate police, CBI or enforcement officers, accusing victims of links to terrorism or money laundering before demanding money under the threat of arrest.
“This is psychological warfare,” explained Professor Triveni Singh, a former IPS officer and cybercrime specialist. “The aim is to trigger fear and compliance. Whether it is a common citizen or a senior official, everyone is vulnerable.”
Authorities are urging people to remain alert and to treat such calls with suspicion. Citizens are advised never to share personal or financial details and to immediately report such cases to the national cyber helpline 1930 or to the nearest police station.
Officials stress that even senior officers can be targeted, highlighting the urgent need for greater public awareness to combat the growing menace of digital arrest scams.
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