Supreme Court Seeks State FIR Details, Mulls CBI Probe Into Digital Arrest Scams
Supreme Court Seeks State FIR Details, Mulls CBI Probe Into Digital Arrest Scams
New Delhi, October 27, 2025: The Supreme Court on Monday directed all States and Union Territories to submit details of the First Information Reports (FIRs) registered in connection with digital arrest scams that have emerged as a growing national concern.
A Bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi also considered transferring the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), questioning whether the agency possesses the resources to handle all such cases across India. The discussion followed Solicitor General Tushar Mehta’s submission that the CBI was already probing several related offences.
Justice Bagchi expressed concern over the potential burden on the central agency, citing previous challenges faced during Ponzi scheme investigations. “The problem is volume. We have seen this before. Is the CBI prepared for exclusive investigation?” he remarked. Justice Kant further noted that the CBI could seek cybercrime experts if required, to which the Solicitor General replied that the agency is already working with the cyber division of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The Court clarified that while it favours a uniform investigation mechanism, it will not issue final directions without hearing from the States. Notices have been sent to all State governments to provide detailed reports on registered cases.
The matter arises from a suo motu case initiated on October 17, following a letter from a senior citizen couple who lost ₹1.5 crore to scammers posing as officials of the CBI, IB, and judiciary. The fraudsters used fake court documents and video calls to extort money under the threat of arrest.
Taking cognisance of media reports indicating similar cases nationwide, the Supreme Court had earlier directed the Haryana Cybercrime police in Ambala to submit a status report. The Bench reiterated the need for coordinated efforts between central and state agencies to curb the rising menace of digital arrest scams.
