Digital arrest: When fear wears a police uniform

Why citizens must understand the law before they surrender to a cybercriminal’s authority

A phone rings. The caller introduces himself as a police officer, a CBI official, an Enforcement Directorate officer or sometimes even a judge. He informs you that your Aadhaar, mobile number, bank account or a parcel in your name has been linked to a serious criminal case. Within minutes, the conversation changes from an enquiry into an apparent crisis. You are told that you are under investigation, that an arrest warrant has been issued and that you must remain on a video call.