Mumbai, Feb 24 (NationPress) Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also oversees the Home portfolio, urged citizens on Tuesday to refrain from engaging with any video calls claiming a digital arrest, as such a concept is non-existent and lacks any legal basis.

Fraudsters impersonating law enforcement or CBI officials utilize video calls to fabricate a "virtual jail" scenario, which is completely deceptive.

During a response to a query by Assembly member Abu Azmi in the state Assembly, the Chief Minister underscored the advanced tactics employed by these scammers, asserting that no governmental or law enforcement body would ever execute an "arrest" via a video call.

He highlighted the significance of the first 60 minutes, known as the golden hour, following a fraudulent act. Reporting incidents promptly to the 1930 helpline or the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal greatly enhances the chances of freezing transactions and recovering lost funds.

The Chief Minister emphasized that if a complaint is lodged within this crucial timeframe, it aids law enforcement in tracking the transaction trail and preventing further progression.

"No governmental agency or police officer will ever apprehend you through a video call or solicit money to resolve a case. If you receive such a call, simply hang up and report it immediately to 1930," he stated.

He also noted that Maharashtra has established the most sophisticated cybersecurity center in India, now serving as a model for other states to monitor digital activities and combat fake call centers.

The CM cited examples of a retired IAS officer and a senior naval officer who fell victim to these scams and reiterated the need for citizens to disregard calls claiming a digital arrest. He reiterated the importance of the golden hour for tracing cases and recovering funds.

Furthermore, the Chief Minister mentioned that the central government is conducting a nationwide awareness campaign against cyber crimes, with the state government also striving to educate citizens about these threats. He revealed that the state has effectively dismantled several syndicates, with 145 major cyber arrest cases documented between late 2025 and early 2026, involving fraud exceeding Rs 129 crore.

The Minister of State for Home (Urban) Yogesh Kadam stated that in Ahilyanagar, despite two months passing since an offence was registered by a victim, the police have retained Rs 78 lakh of the total Rs 87 lakh.

He urged citizens to promptly report cyber crime cases, including those involving digital arrests, during the golden hour.

CM Fadnavis later assured the Assembly that victims would receive the funds that are currently on hold during investigations.