PLOT TO ‘DIGITALLY ARREST DEPUTY CM FOILED

PLOT TO ‘DIGITALLY ARREST DEPUTY CM FOILED

12-JUNE-ENG 4

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

PATNA--------------------------The network of cyber criminals in Bihar continues to expand. The situation has reached a point where fraudsters are targeting not just the general public but also the state's top leaders. The latest incident involves Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister, Vijendra Prasad Yadav, whom cyber criminals attempted to entrap using the ‘digital arrest’ tactic. However, timely vigilance ensured the fraudsters failed in their scheme.

According to reports, the Deputy Chief Minister received a suspicious phone call. The caller claimed that illegal items had been found in a parcel sent in his name. Subsequently, the cyber criminals—posing as officials—attempted to intimidate and pressure him. Their objective was to ensnare him in a ‘digital arrest’ trap through video calls and a fabricated investigation process.

Cyber ​​criminals frequently call individuals claiming a parcel sent in their name has been intercepted containing drugs, forged documents, or other illicit goods. Posing as officers from the police, CBI, or central agencies, they keep the victim on a video call for hours and attempt to extort money by threatening legal action. This same modus operandi was employed in the attempt to target Bihar’s Deputy CM.

Upon learning of the incident, the Deputy Chief Minister’s private secretary took immediate action and lodged a written complaint at the Patna Cyber ​​Crime Police Station. Based on the complaint, the police have registered an FIR and initiated an investigation.

Police and cyber experts are investigating the mobile number used to make the call. Investigative agencies are also trying to determine if an organized cyber gang is behind the plot. Officials state that every aspect of the case is being thoroughly investigated, and efforts are underway to apprehend the perpetrators soon.

This incident clearly indicates the extent to which the audacity of cyber criminals has grown. When even the state's Deputy Chief Minister can be targeted, ordinary citizens need to be extra vigilant. It is crucial to verify the authenticity of any unknown call, video call, or suspicious message before trusting it.

While this major plot to target the Deputy CM may have been thwarted, the incident has certainly raised serious questions regarding cybersecurity.