Lucknow: The Lucknow police commissionerate crime branch has launched “Operation Digital Kavach”, a coordinated campaign aimed at tackling cyber fraud carried out in the name of “digital arrest” through investigation, immediate financial intervention, recovery of defrauded money, arrest of accused and public awareness.The initiative is being conducted under the direction of the police commissioner and guidance of the joint police commissioner, with the crime branch focusing on rapid action as soon as complaints of digital arrest fraud are received.Under the operation, investigators are analysing technical evidence, banking transactions and money trails to identify cybercriminals and trace their networks. Police are also coordinating with banks and other financial institutions to immediately place fraudulent transactions on hold or lien and facilitate refunds to victims.In digital arrest scams, fraudsters typically impersonate officials of the police, CBI, enforcement directorate, TRAI or other govt agencies. They threaten victims with arrest, fake criminal cases or money-laundering investigations and use video calls to create psychological pressure before coercing them into transferring money.The crime branch is analysing technical and financial evidence to identify the perpetrators and trace their networks, including those operating across state borders.Police said that between Aug 1 and Aug 20, the cyber cell succeeded in placing Rs 2,40,56,807 on hold or lien in connection with cybercrime complaints.During the same period, Rs 16,97,462.72 was refunded to victims through coordinated financial intervention. The cyber police station separately facilitated the return of Rs 24 lakh to victims, according to the commissionerate. Police are urging victims of cyber fraud to report incidents immediately by calling the national cybercrime helpline 1930, as prompt reporting can increase the possibility of blocking or recovering the defrauded money.As part of the preventive component of Operation Digital Kavach, the crime branch is conducting awareness campaigns to dispel misconceptions surrounding digital arrest scams. Police are informing citizens that there is no legal procedure called “digital arrest.” No police officer or government investigative agency conducts an arrest through a video call or asks a person to transfer money to avoid arrest or have a criminal case closed.Police have particularly urged people to share awareness material with elderly family members, who are often targeted by fraudsters using threats and impersonation.Film featuring Nana Patekar to create awareness: The Lucknow crime branch is also promoting a special awareness film prepared by the UP police on digital arrest fraud. The film features actor Nana Patekar and seeks to educate citizens about the modus operandi of cybercriminals and ways to avoid becoming victims. The crime branch has appealed to citizens to watch the film and share it with family members, friends and particularly elderly relatives. The campaign’s message is: “Watch one video, make one family aware.”ADCP, crime, Kiran Yadav, IPS, said Operation Digital Kavach was designed as a coordinated response covering every stage of digital arrest fraud—from identification and technical investigation to financial intervention, recovery, arrest of accused and public awareness. “Do not be afraid of digital arrest. Stay alert, verify independently and report immediately on 1930,” Yadav said.
