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.

In a tragic and shocking incident on Wednesday, April 9, Sushma Devi, the granddaughter of Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, was allegedly shot dead by her husband, Ramesh, at their residence in Tetua village, Atri block, Gaya district.

The police have launched a swift investigation and are conducting a manhunt to apprehend the accused, who fled the scene after the crime.

According to reports, the incident occurred around noon when Ramesh, a truck driver based in Patna, allegedly used a country-made pistol to shoot Sushma inside their home. After the attack, he discarded the weapon and escaped, leaving the village in chaos.

Local residents, alerted by the sound of gunfire, rushed to the house and found Sushma in critical condition. They immediately took her to a nearby hospital, but doctors declared her dead on arrival. The police arrived shortly afterward, took custody of her body, and sent it for a postmortem examination as they began their probe.

Sushma, who worked as a Vikas Mitra (development worker) in the Atri block, had been married to Ramesh for approximately 14 years in an inter-caste union. At the time of the shooting, Sushma’s sister and children were in another room of the house. They hurried to the scene upon hearing the gunshot and discovered Sushma lying on the floor, injured. Neighbors also gathered, stunned by the violence that had unfolded in their quiet village.

The motive behind the murder remains unclear, but the police are exploring all angles, including domestic disputes or other personal conflicts. A search operation is underway to locate Ramesh, who remains at large. The authorities have assured that they are leaving no stone unturned to ensure his arrest and to deliver justice to Sushma’s family.

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.