The BRICS TimesThe Supreme Court clarified that it will hear the state governments’ views before assigning the entire matter to the Central Bureau of Investigation.
SC Considers Centralizing ‘Digital Arrest’ Probe
The investigation into nationwide ‘Digital Arrest’ scams may soon be transferred to the CBI. The Supreme Court has signaled this move. It asked all states for a detailed report on registered ‘Digital Arrest’ cases. The Court stated the CBI must report any resource shortages for this massive probe. An order regarding CBI resources will also be passed. The next hearing is scheduled for Monday, November 3.
Cybercrime Has International Links
A recent discussion highlighted a major cyber fraud hub in Myanmar. It was noted that many young Indians were tricked and forcibly taken to this location. A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi noted that cybercrime is an international offense. They said it is being executed even from foreign locations.
States’ Views Will Be Heard
The Court made it clear during the hearing that state governments’ positions will be heard. This is mandatory before handing over the full matter to the CBI. However, the probe into the Ambala senior couple’s fraud is already given to the CBI. The Supreme Court began this hearing after taking suo motu cognizance of their case.
SC Raised Concern Over Fraud
The Supreme Court took up the ‘Digital Arrest’ fraud cases across the country on October 17. The Court called the cheating of innocent people “a matter of concern.” It asked the Central Government and the CBI Director for solutions to stop this. The Court also requested the Attorney General to help with the proceedings.
Senior Citizens are Main Targets
The case that prompted the Court’s action involved an elderly couple from Ambala. In September, they were defrauded of over ₹ 1crore using a fake Supreme Court order. The Court observed, “Unfortunately, this is not an isolated case.” It also added, “This is happening across the entire country.” The Court stressed the need for coordination between central and state police agencies. This cooperation is vital to stop these incidents. It was noted that senior citizens are the main victims in most of these fraud cases.
