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Indian Express
27-07-2025
- Indian Express
Chandigarh Cyber Crime police station data 23 digital arrest FIRs in 2.5 years, 34 arrests
A total of 23 FIRs were registered under the Digital Arrest category between 2023 and till July 21, 2025, with 13 of these were reported in the first half of 2025 alone — pointing to a rising trend in the crime, reveals data from the Chandigarh Cyber Crime police station, adding the police, in response, arrested a total of 34 accused — 23 this year alone. As per recent reports, digital arrests are typically done by fraudsters impersonating officials from the CBI, ED, NCB, or even the judiciary. Fraudsters often use WhatsApp or video calls to convince victims they are under legal scrutiny, then coerce them into transferring money to 'safe government accounts' to avoid arrest or legal action. The deception is deepened by forged documents and fake courtroom settings to psychologically corner victims, usually elderly individuals living alone or retired government servants. One of the most high-profile cases in 2025 involved a retired Colonel, resident of Sector 2. In March, the couple was duped of Rs 3.41 crore after being virtually arrested through a fake video call by impersonators claiming to be 'Enforcement Directorate officials'. They were told they were under 'investigation linked to Jet Airways founder Naresh Goyal'. The fraudsters created a fake narrative, complete with fabricated documents and persistent video threats, effectively isolating the couple for ten days until they transferred the money. In a similar case reported in May, an 82-year-old woman in Sector 10 lost Rs 2.5 crore. She was first contacted by someone posing as a TRAI officer and later subjected to video calls from people pretending to be 'from the CBI and the Supreme Court'. Over several days, she was 'emotionally manipulated and coerced into transferring her life savings to clear her name'. In another case, a 70-year-old retired chief architect, also from Sector 10, was targeted similarly and ended up transferring Rs 2.5 crore to unknown accounts. Police investigations revealed that 'the fraudsters had used deepfake-style video calls and counterfeit legal documents to maintain the illusion of an official investigation'. In July, a woman from Sector 34 lost Rs 77.4 lakh to a similar scam. She was threatened with arrest and shamed into cooperating with what she believed were legitimate legal instructions. SP (Cyber Crime) Geetanjali Khandelwal said, 'The psychological tactics used in these scams, like prolonged intimidation, fake court summons and staged digital hearings, are especially effective against senior citizens. The victims are often too frightened to share the ordeal with family or question the authenticity of the threats.' 'We have got a survey done of victims of Cyber Crime, which included the digital arrest victims, to ascertain how they were duped, and to learn about the accused callers' tactics,' the SP said. Khandelwal said, 'The Chandigarh Cyber Cell has been actively pursuing such cases and has made multiple arrests in 2025. Several fraud networks operating from outside the state have been busted, with arrested individuals revealing pan-India operations involving fake call centres and money mules.' Police officers, however, warned that such scams are 'spreading fast', emphasising 'the term digital arrest has no legal standing, because no law enforcement agency will ever demand money over video calls or threaten citizens into secrecy'. Police appeal to citizens, especially the elderly, to stay alert and immediately report any suspicious calls to the Cyber Crime police station, and advise family members to stay in regular contact with senior members and guide them on digital fraud awareness. The Cyber Crime police station registered a total of 331 FIRs in connection with online frauds between 2023 and July 21, 2025 — 133 in 2023, 112 in 2024, and 86 till July 21, 2025, according to official data. A detailed analysis shows online fraud, including investment and e-commerce scams, has emerged as the most common cybercrime, accounting for 99 FIRs. Police data reveals that there are 162 miscellaneous cases, which include impersonation, fake Canada calls, online loan/job frauds, romance scams, and task-based frauds, highlighting the evolving tactics of cybercriminals.
Indian Express
23-07-2025
- Indian Express
Chandigarh Police conducts mock drill at ISBT-17 ahead of Independence Day
The Chandigarh Police's Operations Cell Wednesday carried out a mock drill at Sector 17 ISBT to test preparedness and coordination among counter-terror teams and emergency services ahead of the Independence Day celebrations. The exercise, conducted under the directions of SP (Operations) Geetanjali Khandelwal and the supervision of DSP (Operations) Vikas Sheokand, simulated a bomb threat at counters 7 and 8 of the bus terminal. The area was quickly cordoned off and evacuated by Operations Cell commandos, while HIT teams, the Bomb Detection Squad, and the dog squad traced a dummy explosive device. Quick Reaction Teams, PCR vehicles, ambulances from GMSH-16 and the Police Hospital, the fire brigade, Civil Defence units, the mobile forensic team, Crime Branch personnel, and officers from Sector 17 police station responded as part of the coordinated drill. After a thorough sweep of the bus stand revealed no further threats, the dummy device was safely transported to the Police Lines in Sector 26 in a sandbag truck, accompanied by pilot PCR vehicles and an escort vehicle from the Operations Cell for defusing. Officials said the exercise was aimed at fine-tuning inter-agency coordination and ensuring readiness to respond to any emergency during the upcoming national celebrations.
Time of India
21-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Vigilance department probes outsourced hiring in Chandigarh MC
1 2 Chandigarh: Amid the ongoing controversy surrounding excess staffing in the municipal corporation, the vigilance department of the UT administration has launched a detailed enquiry into the hiring of outsourced employees. The probe focuses on appointments made through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM), allegedly without proper verification of credentials. SP Vigilance, Geetanjali Khandelwal, has formally written to the municipal commissioner, requesting comprehensive records related to the engagement of outsourced personnel. The letter emphasises the urgency of the matter and cites previous unsuccessful attempts by the enquiry officer to obtain the necessary documentation. "Efforts were made by the enquiry officer to acquire the requisite documents in the past and letters issued. I shall be grateful if the above-mentioned record, information is provided at the earliest to facilitate the speedy finalisation of the enquiry," Khandelwal stated in her letter. The SP also highlighted the importance of timely resolution, referencing Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) guidelines that mandate prompt disposal of enquiries pending for over a year. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Brass Krishna Idols For Prosperity & Protection In Life Luxeartisanship Shop Now Undo "Your cooperation in this matter will be highly appreciated," she added, underlining the need for swift action. Political Unanimity Against Employee Removal The issue of outsourced employees has become a flashpoint in recent MC discussions. Notices served to some employees sparked strong objections from municipal councillors across party lines during the last general house meeting. Even the Mayor of Chandigarh joined in expressing unanimous opposition to any move to terminate outsourced staff. Sources indicate that the matter has reached the highest levels of the UT administration, with senior officials closely monitoring developments. The scrutiny is intensified by the ongoing financial crisis within the MC, making the management of human resources a critical concern.
Hindustan Times
30-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
The Hindustan Times AI & Cyber Security Summit 2025: Fostering digital dialogue in North India
The second edition of Hindustan Times AI & Cyber Security Summit took place in Chandigarh, bringing together leaders, technology professionals, and institutions. The summit aimed to highlight India's digital advancement through partnerships and discussions. The event focused on aspects of innovation and secure digital environments As India continues its progress in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, Hindustan Times organised a forum to convene visionaries, institutions, and innovators. The AI & Cyber Security Summit 2025 gathered participants from technology, governance, academia, and entrepreneurship. The event was presented by Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology and supported by Aloha Intelligence, aiming to set a standard for regional tech summits in terms of scale, impact, and collaboration. Tarunpreet Singh Sond, Cabinet Minister, Government of Punjab, who leads vital departments including Industries & Commerce, Tourism & Culture, Invest Punjab, Labour, and Hospitality attended as Chief Guest, delivering a keynote address. Geetanjali Khandelwal, IPS, Superintendent of Chandigarh Police, was the Guest of Honour, contributing her experience in operations, vigilance, and cyber safety. Chhatra Chhetri, Business Head Hindustan Times (Upper North), led the initiative with a vision for shaping future-ready platforms. Among the academic leaders in attendance, Dr. Padmakumar Nair, Director of Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology (TIET), discussed the role of academia in preparing the next generation for a future shaped by AI and cybersecurity. One of the notable moments of the conclave was the presentation by Mr. Siddhant Bansal, Founder of Aloha Intelligence. As the event's powering partner, Aloha Intelligence unveiled the world's first technological brain, areal-time demonstration that mimicked the human mind. This was Natural Intelligence — responsive, conscious, and deeply human. This tech presentation was a combination of belief, science, and vision. Aloha Intelligence represented innovation andsymbolised India's potential in cognitive intelligence. Representing the entrepreneurial community, Satish Kumar Arora, President of TiE Chandigarh, emphasised the importance of fostering innovation ecosystems. Strategic brand visibility and positioning was managed in partnership with Mantrin, the Brand Building Partner, who ensured a communication identity across the event. Globe Toyota participated as the Luxury Automobile Partner, representing the synergy between next-gen mobility and smart innovation. Hitbullseye, as the Education Partner, contributed to academic engagement and student exposure to digital careers which may bevital to India's AI and cybersecurity workforce of tomorrow. Cafe Well Being by Back To Source, the Gifting Partner, curated organic hampers for all speakers and dignitaries. The summit concluded with a felicitation ceremony. Certificates of Honour were presented to all participating partners by Tarunpreet Singh Sond and Chhatra Chhetri, acknowledging their contribution to advancing the AI and cybersecurity dialogue. Experts say: 1. 'At Hindustan Times, we are committed to building platforms of purpose and progress. This conclave isn't just about technology — it's about connecting ideas, industries, and impact. Through forums like these, we aim to elevate the conversation around secure innovation and bring actionable insights to the forefront.' Chhatra Chhetri, Business Head-Upper North,Hindustan times 2. 'Education must evolve with technology. At TIET, we are committed to nurturing minds that technically skilled and ethically grounded. Platforms like this Conclave provide a bridge between academic insight and industry application — a synergy that defines future-ready education.'Dr. Padmakumar Nair, Director of Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology (TIET) 3. 'India is the sacred birthplace of knowledge and God — where wisdom was not taught, but lived. Today, as Organic Indian launches Natural Intelligence, Bharat reclaims its importance. In a world focussed in artificiality, India emerges as the guiding light, leading humanity back to truth, consciousness, and higher purpose using natural intelligence.'Siddhant Bansal, Founder of Aloha Intelligence 4. 'What we witnessed at the Conclave is a convergence of industry, innovation, and intellect. For entrepreneurs, events like these are vital for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and future visioning. Chandigarh is emerging as a tech nerve centre, and we're proud to be part of this transformation.' Satish Kumar Arora, President, TIE Chandigarh 5. AI is going to significantly impact the learning and education sector in the coming years. It is just the beginning. With AI-powered tools, we can create personalised learning experiences, automate and provide real-time feedback. This can enhance student engagement and help educators identify knowledge gaps and develop targeted interventions.' Mr. Hridesh Madaan, Hitbullseye Note to the Reader: This article is part of Hindustan Times' promotional consumer connect initiative and is independently created by the brand. Hindustan Times assumes no editorial responsibility for the content.
