Oct 28, 2025 - The Supreme Court yesterday sought details of all ongoing investigations into “digital arrest” cases across the country and indicated that the probe might be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

“Digital arrest” refers to a type of cyber fraud in which criminals pose as police officers, intelligence agents, or judges to extort money from victims.

A Bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi directed all States and Union Territories to provide the information within a week.

During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, highlighted the challenges in dealing with such cases, explaining that these scams are often operated by gangs based in countries with which India does not have Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties (MLATs). He said that in many instances, it is impossible to trace the source of these calls.

The Court asked Mehta whether the CBI has adequate resources to conduct such an investigation if it is assigned the responsibility.

“We expect the CBI to conduct the probe. Only they can do it. Digital arrests are happening across India, and unless there is a uniform investigation, nothing will come out of it,” the Bench said.

“People are running from pillar to post. Digital arrests are happening in several States… Considering the magnitude and nature of the crime, we want to give the FIRs to a Central agency like the CBI,” Justice Kant said at the start of the hearing.

The apex Court said it was seeking a complete list of FIRs from all States to avoid any ambiguity and added that, if necessary, States may be directed to provide manpower support to the CBI, and that international cooperation through Interpol or cyber experts could also be sought.

The next hearing of the case is scheduled for November 3.

The Supreme Court is hearing the matter suo motu (on its own motion) based on a letter from an elderly couple in Ambala, Haryana. The couple wrote that fake CBI officers had threatened them over a video call, showed them a forged Supreme Court order and defrauded them of Rs 1.05 crore.

With Media Inputs