Raurkela Police achieved a major breakthrough by busting a Rs 14.36 lakh “Digital Arrest” cyber fraud and arresting two members of an interstate syndicate from Mumbai.
Investigators traced the accused through detailed analysis of bank transactions, mobile records, and digital evidence. Two police teams travelled to Mumbai and arrested Nayan Lalit Nathwani (47), a GST broker from Kandivali (East), and Dhabal Paresh Pandya (35), a freelance musician and GST broker from Poisar, Kandivali.
Police seized an OPPO F17 with Vodafone and Airtel SIMs from Nathwani and a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 with a Jio SIM from Pandya. Officers also recovered documents linked to financial transfers. Verification of their bank accounts revealed connections to multiple cyber fraud cases across Maharashtra and other states, confirming the presence of an organised network.
The accused allegedly impersonated law enforcement officials and coerced a Rourkela resident into transferring ₹14.36 lakh under the pretext of a “digital arrest.” Investigators are now tracing other members of the syndicate and additional money trails.
Raurkela Police said the operation demonstrates their technical expertise and coordination in tackling cybercrime beyond state boundaries.
Issuing a public advisory, police urged citizens to stay alert against “Digital Arrest” scams. They clarified that no law enforcement agency demands money or conducts investigations via video calls. Victims should immediately report such incidents to the National Cyber Crime Helpline 1930 or the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.
