Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, also in charge of the Home portfolio, cautioned citizens on Tuesday not to engage with any video calls regarding digital arrests, as they are fraudulent with no legal basis. Scammers posing as police or CBI officials use video calls to create a false impression of being in a “virtual jail.” Fadnavis emphasized in the state Assembly that no legitimate government or law enforcement agency would ever conduct an arrest through a video call.
He highlighted the sophistication of these scams while responding to a query in the Assembly, stressing the crucial first 60 minutes after a fraud occurs. Reporting such incidents promptly to the 1930 helpline or the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal significantly increases the chances of halting transactions and recovering funds. Fadnavis underlined that reporting within this “golden hour” helps the police trace transaction trails and prevent further progress.
The Chief Minister reiterated that no government body or police officer would ever arrest individuals via video calls or demand money to resolve a case. If such calls are received, he advised hanging up immediately and reporting the incident to 1930. Maharashtra boasts the most advanced cyber security center in India, serving as a model for other states in tracking digital footprints and combating fake call centers.
Referring to cases where a retired IAS officer and senior naval officer were victimized by such scams, Fadnavis urged citizens not to entertain calls claiming digital arrests. He stressed the significance of the “golden hour” in tracking cases and recovering lost funds. The central government is conducting a nationwide awareness campaign against cyber crimes, with the state government also actively educating citizens on these threats. Fadnavis disclosed that Maharashtra has successfully cracked down on numerous syndicates, with 145 major cyber arrest cases between late 2025 and early 2026 involving frauds exceeding Rs 129 crore.
Minister of State for Home (Urban) Yogesh Kadam mentioned a case in Ahilyanagar where Rs 78 lakh out of Rs 87 lakh has been retained by the police two months after the victim filed a complaint. He urged citizens to promptly report cyber crimes, including incidents related to digital arrests, during the critical “golden hour.” Fadnavis assured the Assembly that victims would recover the funds withheld during investigations.
