Telangana IPS officer thanks PM Modi for sensitising people on 'digital arrest' during Mann Ki Baat

Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], October 28 : Senior IPS officer and Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) Managing Director VC Sajjanar thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for sharing a video on digital fraud awareness during Mann Ki Baat which he had posted on social media last month.
Speaking about the cybercrime of 'digital arrests' during his 'Mann Ki Baat' on Sunday, the Prime Minister advised citizens to adopt the mantra of 'stop, think and act' when faced with such a scam.
PM Modi during Mann Ki Baat brought attention to an important digital fraud awareness message shared by senior IPS officer Sajjanar. Sajjanar had posted a video on September 19 featuring Santosh Patil from Vijayapura, Karnataka, who was approached by fraudsters posing as police officers. Through quick thinking, Patil managed to avoid the cyber trap.
Taking to X, VC Sajjanar wrote, "In today's Mann Ki Baat episode, PM Modi discussed digital frauds and shared a video of a person speaking to pseudo-police officers. He highlighted how this person cleverly avoided falling into the traps of cyber crooks. On September 19, the same issue and video were highlighted on my X handle by sharing a 'smart' video call conversation between the same person Santosh Patil of Vijayapur of Karnataka, along with a message to create awareness on digital arrests and cybercrime issues."
"Thank you, Prime Minister for sharing the video again and personally shedding light on this critical issue. If anyone falls prey to such cyber frauds or the fraudsters try to contact you, please Dial 1930 immediately for assistance. Let's come together to create a DIGITAL SAFER INDIA," he added.
Further, Sajjanar also spoke with Santosh Patil and shared the video on his X handle. Sharing the video, Sajjanar wrote, "I just spoke with Santosh Patil from Vijayapur, who skillfully avoided a digital fraud--a story highlighted by PM Modi in Mann Ki Baat episode. Every cyber fraudster should be handled the way Santosh did to avoid falling into their traps. Let's unite to create a safer digital India!" In the video, Santosh Patil also thanked PM Modi.
Earlier on Sunday, PM Modi warned the nation about the 'digital arrest' scam, clarifying that no government agency threatens individuals over the phone or demands money.
In his address during the 115th episode of 'Mann Ki Baat,' Prime Minister Modi detailed the modus operandi of the 'digital arrest' scam.
"Under digital arrest fraud, callers pose as officials from the police, CBI, RBI, or narcotics departments, speaking with great confidence. People asked me to address this in Mann Ki Baat, as everyone needs to understand. The first step involves collecting your personal information. Step two is creating an atmosphere of fear, instilling so much anxiety that you can't think clearly. Step three is applying time pressure... Victims of digital arrest come from all backgrounds and ages. Many have lost substantial sums of their hard-earned money. If you ever receive such a call, don't be afraid. Be aware that no investigative agency conducts such interrogations over the phone or video call. The three steps to digital security are: stop, think, and act. If possible, take a screenshot or record the call. No government agency issues threats over the phone or demands money," PM Modi said in his Mann Ki Baat address.
He further stated that investigative agencies are working in partnership with state governments to combat the scam being carried out in the name of digital arrest.
"There is no legal system called digital arrest; it's purely fraud, deceit, a criminal enterprise by those who are enemies of society. Various investigative agencies, in collaboration with state governments, are actively working to address this scam. The National Cyber Coordination Centre has been established to foster coordination among these agencies," he said.
PM Modi also encouraged schools and colleges to engage students in the campaign against cyber scams. "We can only fight this challenge through collective efforts in society," he added.