Three Arrested From West Bengal in ₹1.20 Crore Digital Arrest Fraud Targeting Jharkhand Resident Police in Sahibganj dismantled a major cyber fraud ring, arresting three suspects from Durgapur for duping a resident of ₹1.20 crore by posing as CBI officers during a fake digital arrest. Jharkhand police have cracked a major cyber fraud case in Sahibganj district involving the extortion of ₹1.20 crore from a resident under the guise of a digital arrest. The victim, Gautam Das, residing within the jurisdiction of the Barharwa police station, was placed under psychological duress through WhatsApp calls by fraudsters impersonating central law enforcement officials. Prompt action by a Special Investigation Team has led to the apprehension of three key suspects from Durgapur in neighboring West Bengal, uncovering an extensive interstate criminal network. Fraudsters Impersonated CBI Officers to Fabricate Digital Arrest The cyber criminals contacted Gautam Das via WhatsApp and introduced themselves as high-ranking officers of the Central Bureau of Investigation. To build pressure, the perpetrators accused him of involvement in fictitious legal violations and claimed he was under immediate digital arrest. Exploiting the psychological fear of severe legal consequences, the impersonators convinced the victim that he needed to clear his name by transferring funds to designated bank accounts. Paralyzed by anxiety, the victim complied with their instructions and transferred a total sum of ₹1.20 crore across multiple transactions. Police Form Special Investigation Team Following Formal Complaint Realizing he had been duped of a colossal sum, the victim approached the authorities. A formal complaint was lodged at the Barharwa police station on 31 August 2026 under relevant cyber crime and extortion provisions. Considering the gravity of the financial crime, the Sahibganj Superintendent of Police instructed immediate operational measures. A Special Investigation Team was constituted under the leadership of the Deputy Superintendent of Police cum Nodal Officer of the Cyber Cell. The SIT initiated a detailed technical analysis of bank statements, transaction logs, and digital footprints provided by the technical branch. Raids in Durgapur Lead to Three Arrests Forensic electronic tracing enabled the SIT to identify the operational base of the fraudsters in West Bengal. Acting on precise technical intelligence, the police team conducted targeted raids in Durgapur city, arresting two primary operatives identified as Ranjit Bakshi and Asit Mahato. During custodial interrogation, the duo disclosed critical details regarding their operational hierarchy and accomplices. Based on their confessions, police launched a follow-up operation and apprehended the third suspect, Dheeraj Hari. All three suspects were remanded into police custody for further interrogation. Laundered Funds Traced Across 4,000 Bank Accounts Financial investigations into the transaction trail revealed a complex money-laundering network. The siphoned amount of ₹1.20 crore was systematically split and routed through more than 4,000 distinct bank accounts to obstruct law enforcement tracking. In response, police authorities have frozen numerous suspicious accounts linked to the primary transactions. Forensic accounting teams are currently mapping out the multi-layered banking channels to trace the ultimate beneficiaries of the fraudulent proceeds. Interstate Connections Suspected Across Bihar, UP, and Bengal Investigators suspect that the syndicate operates across several state boundaries. Sahibganj DSP HQ Ravikant Saw confirmed that the SIT is conducting a thorough inquiry using digital and banking evidence. Police suspect the syndicate has operational modules spanning West Bengal, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh. Based on inputs gathered from the arrested individuals, law enforcement agencies are working to identify remaining network members, with additional arrests expected in the ongoing crackdown. What this means for you With the rise in digital arrest scams, this case serves as a vital reminder for citizens and online banking users to adopt stringent cybersecurity practices. • Across India: Citizens must remain vigilant against fraudsters impersonating central investigative agencies like the CBI. Standard government agencies never conduct legal proceedings over WhatsApp calls or demand funds transfers to clear charges. • In Jharkhand: Residents of Sahibganj and neighboring regions are advised to immediately report suspicious legal intimidation calls to local authorities. The police cyber cell has intensified efforts to dismantle cross-border cyber fraud networks. • Regarding Financial Security: Never share sensitive banking credentials or transfer money under threat from unknown callers. In case of financial fraud, reporting within the golden hour via the 1930 cyber crime helpline is critical. • Action on Mule Accounts: Banks are tightening monitoring protocols to detect and freeze compromised accounts used in laundering. Allowing third parties to use your bank accounts for illegal money transfers invites strict legal prosecution. Why this happened The sophisticated psychological manipulation used by cyber criminals posing as law enforcement officers lies at the core of this financial scam. Several systemic and operational factors contributed to how the crime unfolded and was subsequently traced. • Impersonation of Central Agencies: Cyber fraudsters leveraged the authority of the CBI to induce fear in the victim. Threats of immediate arrest and fake legal consequences disrupted the victim's rational judgment. • Misuse of Communication Platforms: Fraudsters used WhatsApp calls to maintain constant visual or auditory control, creating a simulated digital arrest. This prevented the victim from consulting relatives or reaching out to law enforcement. • Multi-State Mule Account Network: The criminal network operated across West Bengal, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh using dummy bank accounts. By routing ₹1.20 crore through over 4,000 bank accounts, the syndicate attempted to obscure the financial trail. • Forensic Tracking and Police Action: Following the formal complaint on 31 August 2026, police relied on technical branch analytics and bank statement trails. Electronic evidence enabled the Special Investigation Team to pin down locations in Durgapur and arrest the key operatives. Questions & Answers 1. How much money was defrauded in the Sahibganj digital arrest case? Cyber criminals defrauded the victim of ₹1.20 crore. 2. Who is the victim of the fraud and where is he from? The victim is Gautam Das, a resident of Barharwa police station area in Sahibganj district, Jharkhand. 3. How many suspects have been arrested and from where? Police SIT arrested Ranjit Bakshi and Asit Mahato from Durgapur, West Bengal, and subsequently apprehended the third suspect, Dheeraj Hari. 4. How many bank accounts were involved in transferring the defrauded amount? Police investigation revealed that the defrauded money was transacted through a network of over 4,000 bank accounts. 5. When was the formal complaint lodged with the police? The formal complaint was registered on 31 August 2026 at Barharwa police station in Sahibganj. 6. Which agency did the fraudsters impersonate to intimidate the victim? The fraudsters impersonated CBI officers to scare the victim with digital arrest. https://trendkia.com/en/jharkhand/jharkhand-ke-sahibganj-men-1-20-karora-rupaye-ki-dijitala-aresta-thagi-ka-pardaphasha-west-bengal-se-3-aropi-giraphtara-30289 TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.