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Indian Express
6 hours ago
- Indian Express
Three arrested in Rs 2.5-cr digital arrest scam busted by Chandigarh Police
The Cyber Crime Cell of Chandigarh has arrested three accused allegedly involved in a digital fraud case of Rs 2.5 crore. According to the police, the arrests were made in connection with an FIR, which was registered on June 1, under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023. The victim, Sumit Kaur of Sector 10A, Chandigarh, was targeted on May 3, through a sophisticated scam, police said. She received a phone call allegedly from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), warning of misuse of her SIM card and an FIR against her. The caller was followed by WhatsApp video calls from individuals impersonating senior law enforcement officials, including a DIG CBI and even a justice of the Supreme Court. Using forged arrest warrants and high-pressure tactics, the scammers coerced Kaur into transferring her life savings — amounting to Rs 2.5 crores — into various fraudulently operated bank accounts for verification to clear her name, police said. A comprehensive investigation involving digital forensics, mobile CDR analysis, KYC scrutiny, and IP tracking led police teams to multiple states. Police said that the raids were conducted at Hathras and Agra (UP) on June 6, leading to the arrests of Dharmendra Singh (28) and Ram Kisan Singh alias Ramu (36). Both had knowingly opened and rented out bank accounts used in the scam, said Police. The police team also conducted a raid at Budhanpur, Saharanpur (UP) on June 8, resulting in the arrest of Sakib (24), who confessed to opening a shell firm and account, allowing his brother-in-law and others to use them in exchange for a 10 percent cut from fraudulent transactions. During the interrogation, all accused admitted to their roles in the scam and revealed the involvement of more suspects, a police official said. Police custody has been obtained for further questioning and investigation. DSP (Cyber Cell) A Venkatesh said the cybercrime team is actively working to identify and apprehend other members of the network.
Economic Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- Economic Times
Congress leader Rajesh Soni arrested for Facebook posts on Operation Sindoor, booked under new BNS law
Rajesh Soni, general secretary of Gujarat Congress, was arrested for Facebook posts allegedly undermining India's military morale during Operation Sindoor. The posts featured Prime Minister Modi in a pilot's uniform and claimed the government had surrendered, prompting charges under newly enacted Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) laws. The police argue the content risked India's sovereignty and soldier morale. Congress leaders strongly opposed the arrest, stating Soni intended to highlight the need for proper recognition of soldiers, not criticise their efforts. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads What the police say sparked the arrest Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads What the charges actually mean Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Rajesh Soni, a senior Congress leader in Gujarat, was arrested early Friday by the state's Cyber Crime Cell over a pair of Facebook posts that police allege endangered national morale and spread misinformation about a major military posts were related to Operation Sindoor, an ongoing mission by the Indian armed forces targeting terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). Soni now faces charges under two sections of the recently enacted Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)—sections 152 and 353(1)(a).The FIR, filed by the CID Cyber Crime team on Thursday, cited two Facebook posts made by of them depicted Prime Minister Narendra Modi wearing a fighter pilot uniform in a poster-like image. In another, Soni allegedly claimed that 'the Indian government surrendered during the operation,' an accusation the police say could undermine both the mission and the morale of troops deployed on the of Police (CID-Cyber Crime), Bharatsinh Tank, said, 'Soni was accused of breaking defence personnel's morale and putting India's sovereignty in danger through misleading posts on Facebook.'Tank went on to say, 'We arrested Soni for his posts which could break the armed forces' morale and send a wrong message to soldiers that their contribution and sacrifice on the battlefield will go in vain.'Soni has been charged under Section 152 of the BNS, which deals with acts that endanger the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India. This section carries serious consequences, including up to life imprisonment or a minimum of seven years' jail, plus a second charge—Section 353(1)(a)—relates to statements that could incite public mischief. This legal provision, too, has teeth and signals the government's intent to regulate what it views as provocative or destabilising online behaviour, especially during military arrest did not go unnoticed by Soni's party after news broke, several Congress leaders gathered at the CID's office in Gandhinagar in protest. Leading the charge was Gujarat Congress president Shaktisinh Gohil, who described the police action as disproportionate and politically said, 'He only tried to highlight that soldiers need to get their due credit instead of the govt spending taxpayers' money on publicity.'He also accused the authorities of cracking down on free expression at a time when the nation should be focusing on supporting its armed forces, not silencing Sindoor has become a national talking point in recent weeks. The Indian military launched the mission with the stated goal of eliminating terror infrastructure in Pakistani territory and PoK. It has been projected by the government as a demonstration of India's zero-tolerance policy towards cross-border the operation has also sparked debates over public narrative management. As the conflict plays out on the ground, its portrayal in digital spaces has become sensitive—especially with a politically charged environment and general elections in government's actions suggest it sees misinformation as a direct threat to the morale of soldiers and the success of such operations. At the same time, critics argue that there is a thin line between national interest and political convenience when it comes to controlling arrest under the new BNS framework could mark a pivotal moment in how India enforces online accountability. It raises difficult questions: Where does one draw the line between political critique and disinformation? Who decides whether a post is morale-breaking or simply provocative?For now, Rajesh Soni remains in custody, his party defiant, and the legal system gearing up for what may become a high-profile case on digital speech and national security.(With inputs from TOI)
Time of India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Congress leader Rajesh Soni arrested for Facebook posts on Operation Sindoor, booked under new BNS law
What the police say sparked the arrest Live Events What the charges actually mean (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Rajesh Soni, a senior Congress leader in Gujarat, was arrested early Friday by the state's Cyber Crime Cell over a pair of Facebook posts that police allege endangered national morale and spread misinformation about a major military posts were related to Operation Sindoor, an ongoing mission by the Indian armed forces targeting terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). Soni now faces charges under two sections of the recently enacted Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)—sections 152 and 353(1)(a).The FIR, filed by the CID Cyber Crime team on Thursday, cited two Facebook posts made by of them depicted Prime Minister Narendra Modi wearing a fighter pilot uniform in a poster-like image. In another, Soni allegedly claimed that 'the Indian government surrendered during the operation,' an accusation the police say could undermine both the mission and the morale of troops deployed on the of Police (CID-Cyber Crime), Bharatsinh Tank, said, 'Soni was accused of breaking defence personnel's morale and putting India's sovereignty in danger through misleading posts on Facebook.'Tank went on to say, 'We arrested Soni for his posts which could break the armed forces' morale and send a wrong message to soldiers that their contribution and sacrifice on the battlefield will go in vain.'Soni has been charged under Section 152 of the BNS, which deals with acts that endanger the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India. This section carries serious consequences, including up to life imprisonment or a minimum of seven years' jail, plus a second charge—Section 353(1)(a)—relates to statements that could incite public mischief. This legal provision, too, has teeth and signals the government's intent to regulate what it views as provocative or destabilising online behaviour, especially during military arrest did not go unnoticed by Soni's party after news broke, several Congress leaders gathered at the CID's office in Gandhinagar in protest. Leading the charge was Gujarat Congress president Shaktisinh Gohil, who described the police action as disproportionate and politically said, 'He only tried to highlight that soldiers need to get their due credit instead of the govt spending taxpayers' money on publicity.'He also accused the authorities of cracking down on free expression at a time when the nation should be focusing on supporting its armed forces, not silencing Sindoor has become a national talking point in recent weeks. The Indian military launched the mission with the stated goal of eliminating terror infrastructure in Pakistani territory and PoK. It has been projected by the government as a demonstration of India's zero-tolerance policy towards cross-border the operation has also sparked debates over public narrative management. As the conflict plays out on the ground, its portrayal in digital spaces has become sensitive—especially with a politically charged environment and general elections in government's actions suggest it sees misinformation as a direct threat to the morale of soldiers and the success of such operations. At the same time, critics argue that there is a thin line between national interest and political convenience when it comes to controlling arrest under the new BNS framework could mark a pivotal moment in how India enforces online accountability. It raises difficult questions: Where does one draw the line between political critique and disinformation? Who decides whether a post is morale-breaking or simply provocative?For now, Rajesh Soni remains in custody, his party defiant, and the legal system gearing up for what may become a high-profile case on digital speech and national security.(With inputs from TOI)
India Today
5 days ago
- Politics
- India Today
Gujarat Congress leader arrested over 'morale-breaking' posts on Op Sindoor
Gujarat Congress general secretary Rajesh Soni was arrested on Friday and charged under a tough section of the BNS for allegedly uploading "misleading" as well as "morale-breaking" content on a social media platform related to 'Operation Sindoor', police the registration of an FIR on Thursday, the Cyber Crime Cell of the state CID arrested Soni over his controversial posts in the operation launched by Indian armed forces last month to destroy terror hubs in Pakistan and PoK, said Superintendent of Police (CID-Cyber Crime) Bharatsinh has been accused of breaking defence personnel's morale and putting India's sovereignty in danger through misleading posts on Facebook, said Tank. The Congress leader has been booked under sections 152 (acts endangering the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India) and 353(1)(a) (statements conducing to public mischief) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), said the Superintendent of Police. IN THIS STORY#Gujarat#Indian National Congress
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Gujarat Congress leader arrested for 'misleading, morale breaking' posts on Operation Sindoor
Gujarat Congress general secretary Rajesh Soni was arrested on Friday by the state's Cyber Crime Cell for allegedly uploading misleading and morale-damaging content related to 'Operation Sindoor' on social media, reports news agency PTI. Police officials said Soni is accused of posting controversial statements on Facebook concerning Operation Sindoor, the recent military offensive launched by the Indian armed forces to target terror hubs in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Superintendent of Police (CID-Cyber Crime), Bharatsinh Tank, said Soni's posts were not only misleading but also potentially harmful to national security. 'The content is suspected to have broken the morale of defence personnel and endangered the sovereignty of the country,' said Tank. Soni has been booked under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), specifically Section 152, which pertains to acts endangering the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India, and Section 353(1)(a), relating to statements that could incite public mischief. Further investigation is underway. The Congress party has yet to issue an official statement on the arrest.
