Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MLC Mohammad Shoaib was allegedly subjected to a chilling “digital arrest” by cybercriminals who confined him virtually at his Patna home for hours, extracting sensitive personal details under threats.

The incident, detailed in an FIR filed on April 10, has spotlighted the growing menace of cyber fraud in India, The Indian Express reported.

Shoaib’s complaint recounts receiving calls around 10:30 a.m. on April 8 from two numbers, with the caller posing as a Mumbai Police Cyber Crime Unit officer. The fraudster accused the MLC of laundering crores through a Canara Bank account in Mumbai, citing fictitious transactions and illegal online activities.

To bolster their claims, they provided a fake case number and referenced a mobile number linked to Shoaib, creating an illusion of legitimacy.

“They warned me of legal action and even death if I left my house or sought help,” Shoaib stated in the FIR. The scammers kept him under virtual siege until midnight, coercing him to disclose critical information, including his Aadhaar number, bank details, asset reserves like gold and cash, and even forcing him to sign blank papers. “They extracted everything, exploiting my fear,” he added.

Sensing deception, Shoaib alerted authorities, leading to a case registered under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act. Patna police are now investigating, tracing the numbers used in the scam, which point to a sophisticated cybercrime network.

In a separate development, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) launched “Operation Chakra-V” to dismantle digital arrest syndicates, arresting four suspects after raids across 12 locations, according to reports.

Acting on a Rajasthan government request, the CBI nabbed two individuals each in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, and Mumbai. One case involved a victim extorted for ₹7.67 crore over 42 payments, digitally confined for three months by impostors posing as law enforcement officials.

Shoaib’s ordeal underscores the alarming rise of such scams, where fraudsters are even manipulating political leaders through fear and deception.

Bihar cop, Constable Deepak Kumar, who was filmed dancing at the request of Bihar MLA Tej Pratap Yadav during a Holi celebration, has been removed as security guard of the RJD leader and sent to Police Lines, according to an announcement from the Patna Senior Superintendent of Police’s office on Sunday.

The decision follows the circulation of a video where Tej Pratap Yadav, a leader of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), was seen instructing Kumar to dance at a public gathering, which subsequently went viral.

According to a statement from the office of the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) issued on Sunday, “Constable Deepak Kumar, who was serving as a security guard for MLA Tej Pratap, has been sent to the police lines with immediate effect for dancing in uniform. Kumar will be replaced by another constable for the MLA’s security duties.”

In response to the uproar, authorities acknowledged the video showing the constable in uniform dancing under the RJD leader’s direction. A statement indicated that following this incident, Kumar was summoned, and it was ordered that another constable be assigned to replace him as Yadav’s bodyguard.

The controversial footage, recorded during a celebration on March 14, shows Yadav making the comment, “Nahi thumka lagaoge to suspend kar diye jaoge,” translating to “If you don’t dance, you will be suspended.”

This incident has sparked widespread criticism, particularly from BJP representatives. MP Dinesh Sharma condemned Yadav’s actions, characterizing them as a disrespect to law enforcement. He stated, “He will never get the right to suspend anyone, and he comes from a family known for insulting the police and its uniform… They are only fit for drama and should not be considered capable of governance.”

Condemnation has also come from retired police officials, who labeled Yadav’s comments as insulting and called for accountability. Ajay Kumar Singh, a former Assistant Commissioner of Police in Delhi, expressed his disapproval, asserting that disciplinary action should be directed towards Yadav, not the constable who was simply obeying orders.

Singh highlighted the importance of maintaining the dignity of the police uniform and cited the police manual’s emphasis on adherence to a code of conduct. He criticized Yadav’s behavior, referring to his remarks as an affront to law enforcement, and expressed concern that penalizing the constable would be both unjust and unacceptable.

On March 10, a daring robbery occurred at a jewellery store in the Gopali Chowk area of Ara, Bhojpur district, Bihar, where valuable items worth over ₹25 crore were stolen at gunpoint, according to police reports. The incident transpired around 11 a.m. when six armed robbers entered the well-known jewellery retailer’s shop, overpowered the staff, and took control of the situation by locking the shutter. They held the employees hostage for over half an hour as they gathered the valuables before making their escape.

The robbery was recorded on CCTV, and the footage quickly gained traction on social media platforms. Store employees reported to the police that approximately ₹25 crore worth of jewellery was taken by the assailants. In response, police immediately initiated a manhunt, leading to a brief exchange of gunfire that resulted in the arrest of two of the robbers. Authorities also recovered two bags containing some of the stolen jewellery from their possession during the arrest.

Following the incident, police reinforced security measures around the town. An officer noted that two suspicious individuals on a motorcycle were apprehended near Barhara after attempting to flee when approached by the police. A chase ensued, resulting in a confrontation where the suspects opened fire, but they were ultimately captured with gunshot wounds to their legs.

Superintendent of Police Raj addressed the media, stating that a significant portion, around 70%, of the stolen jewellery has been recovered, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining four culprits involved in the robbery. CCTV footage is currently under review as part of the investigation to identify all suspects linked to the crime.

The incident has instilled fear among local traders, prompting a heightened sense of security in the area. Raj assured the public that the police are committed to capturing all individuals involved in this brazen heist, which stands as one of the largest thefts in the region in recent memory.