thecybershark

For obscene content, the Maharashtra Cyber Cell files a formal complaint against Ranveer Allahabadiya and others.

Complaint Against Ranveer Allahbadia: Maharashtra Cyber Cell Acts on ‘India’s Got Latent’ for Offensive Content Following violent comments by YouTuber Ranveer Allahabadiya, comedian Samay Raina, and many others, the Maharashtra Cyber Department has filed a formal complaint against them. The case was filed under the appropriate IT Act provisions.After one of its episodes had sexual content, comedian Samay Raina’s YouTube talent program India’s Got Latent has drawn harsh criticism. According to reports, the show’s hosts and judges, Ranveer Allahabadiya, Ashish Chanchlani, Jaspreet Singh, and Apoorv Makhija, have been charged with fostering sexually explicit conversations by the Guwahati police. In response to public outrage over the objectionable content shown on India’s Got Latent, officials have registered an FIR and summoned several participants, ordering the removal of all 18 episodes of the show from YouTube. The Maharashtra Cyber Department has taken decisive action against the involved parties, including YouTuber Ranveer Allahabadiya and comedian Samay Raina, due to accusations that their content on the show included obscene language and inappropriate material. After several complaints from viewers and advocacy groups who felt the video was obscene and disrespectful, the FIR was filed on 11 Feb 2025 under the applicable sections of the IT Act. The FIR mentions 30–40 guests who appeared in episodes 1–6 and are currently being brought in for questioning, as well as the names of the show’s principal creators. According to authorities, the judges and special guests both used harsh and disparaging words during the show. This legal action follows a separate incident in Assam, where police recently filed a case against Ranveer Allahabadiya for his controversial comments. Increasing public and political pressure has led to calls for the show’s 18 episodes to be taken down from YouTube. In response, YouTube has already blocked the objectionable episodes, and law enforcement officials were seen at Allahabadiya’s residence on 11 Feb 2025. The National Commission for Women (NCW) has also expressed concerns. The NCW vehemently disagrees with the offensive remarks made on the program. The NCW issued a statement denouncing the abusive comments made by producers Tushar Pujari and Saurabh Bothra, as well as by Ranveer Allahabadiya, Samay Raina, Apoorv Makhija, Jaspreet Singh, and Ashish Chanchlani. On February 17 at noon, the Commission invited these people to come in person for a hearing in its New Delhi headquarters.According to Section 66(A) of the IT Act 2000, the law under which the FIR was lodged, sending objectionable material via computers or other electronic devices is illegal.

BSF Inspector duped of over Rs 70 Lakh after making ‘digital arrest’ in Gwalior

Bhopal: A Border Security Force (BSF) official in Gwalior was held in the longest digital arrest for 32 days before his son came to his rescue. The victim identified as Absar Ahmed, posted as an inspector in the BSF Training Centre, Tekanpur, was under digital arrest from December 2, 2024, and was duped of Rs 71.25 lakh in 34 transactions during the period, police said. “We have received the complaint regarding the digital arrest of a BSF official. The crime branch has registered a case and the probe is on,” Gwalior district superintendent of police (SP) Dharamveer Singh said. According to the police, the BSF official, a resident of Uttar Pradesh, had received a WhatsApp call at 11.29 am on December 2, 2024. The identified Mumbai cyber and crime branch officer told the victim that an arrest warrant had been issued against him and his family members in connection with a money laundering case. The BSF official was told that he was being interrogated virtually and he and his family members would be arrested if he informed other people. He was asked to transfer money to particular accounts as part of the probe and the money would be returned if he was found innocent. Under psychological pressure, Ahmed sold his flat in Delhi exhausted all his savings, and transferred Rs 71.25 lakh to the accounts mentioned. His son rushed to Gwalior on January 2 after learning about it and asked him to file a police complaint.

Youtuber Ankush Bahuguna shares 40-hour digital arrest scam ordeal urges vigilance

January 6, 2025: Popular content creator Ankush Bahuguna recently revealed a harrowing 40-hour ordeal in which he was held in a “digital arrest” by cybercriminals. In a deeply emotional video shared on Instagram, Ankush recounted how scammers isolated him from friends and family, coerced him into performing suspicious financial transactions, and manipulated him through fear and threats. The ordeal began with a seemingly harmless automated call about a suspicious package linked to his name. Following instructions, he pressed a button for customer support, unknowingly falling into an elaborate scam trap. A fake official on the call claimed the package contained illegal substances bound for China and an arrest warrant had been issued in his name. Isolation and Manipulation Panicked, Ankush was connected to someone posing as a law enforcement officer. This person accused him of money laundering, drug trafficking, and being involved in serious crimes. He was then placed under so-called “self-custody,” isolating him entirely from the outside world. For 40 hours, Ankush was kept on a continuous video call, and forbidden from answering messages, picking up calls, or contacting anyone. Under duress, he was forced to share sensitive information, perform bank transactions, and follow every instruction the scammers gave. “I was crying and begging, but they kept me on the call. They convinced me my career would be destroyed, my family was in danger, and I would face abuse if I didn’t comply,” Ankush shared, visibly shaken. Friends and Family Intervene Ankush’s family and friends grew suspicious of his erratic behavior throughout the ordeal. His sister’s persistent messages finally reached him, revealing that such “digital arrests” are a common scam. Realizing the truth, Ankush broke free from the scammers’ grip and reconnected with his family. “I’m so grateful for my friends’ instincts. If they hadn’t acted quickly, I might still be trapped in that nightmare,” he admitted. A Warning to All Ankush urged his followers to be cautious of such scams and never engage with suspicious calls or share sensitive information online. “The thing with these scams is, if you believe one lie, they tell ten more, each scarier than the last. Please be vigilant and report such incidents immediately,” he concluded. This incident highlights the growing sophistication of cyber scams and serves as a stark warning about individuals’ vulnerabilities in an increasingly digital world.

Cyber Fraud: UP Police shares must-watch video ahead of Mahakumbh

Ahead of the Mahakumbh Mela, which is scheduled to begin on January 13, the Uttar Pradesh Police released an awareness video on its social media account on 05/01/2025, urging people to stay cautious of cyber fraud related to any kind of online booking for the Mahakumbh. Mahakumbh Mela The Mahakumbh in Sangam Nagari Prayagraj is likely to be attended by 40 crore people. In light of the rising incidents of cyber fraud in recent times, this video has been created to create awareness among people about digital fraud. The Video’s Message: The short film portrays the experience of a family who falls victim to cyber fraud while booking a hotel online. Tempted by attractive offers, the family makes a booking through a fake website. However, upon reaching the given location in Prayagraj, they find an empty plot instead of the promised hotel. In another instance, the family scans a QR code displayed on the street to book a stay, but instead of securing their booking, their money gets deducted fraudulently. Towards the end, Bollywood actor Sanjay Mishra appears in the video, cautioning people about such scams and advising them to avoid fake links and websites. Safety Advice: Sanjay Mishra urges devotees to use the official Maha Kumbh website Kumbh.gov.in to check the list of verified accommodations and make bookings. The video has been shared across all social media platforms of the Uttar Pradesh Police. Additionally, a link to the list of available accommodations in Prayagraj has been provided to assist devotees in making safe and informed decisions. Important Information for Devotees: Devotees planning to visit Prayagraj during the Maha Kumbh 2025 are encouraged to use the verified list or official website for their bookings. This initiative by the Uttar Pradesh Police aims to safeguard devotees from cyber fraud while ensuring a secure and smooth pilgrimage experience during the Maha Kumbh 2025.

Rajasthan Police launch ‘Operation Cyber Shield’ to combat cyber crimes

Rajasthan Police has launched Operation Cyber Shield to tackle cybercrime, focusing on resolving complaints, identifying hotspots, blocking suspicious SIMs, and raising public awareness. Jaipur: In a bid to curb the escalating graph of cyber crimes and organized financial fraud in Rajasthan, the Cyber Crime Branch of Rajasthan Police has initiated a month-long special campaign named ‘Operation Cyber Shield’. The campaign, spearheaded under the direction of Director General of Police (DGP) Utkal Ranjan Sahu, aims to crack down on cyber criminals, resolve pending cyber cases, and create public awareness about cyber security. The operation will run throughout January, a senior police official said. “The Rajasthan government and Rajasthan Police are committed to preventing cyber crimes,” said DG (Cyber Crime) Hemant Priyadarshi. “We appeal to citizens to report any suspicious cyber activities to the local police, the cyber security helpline 1930, or the cybercrime portal at National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal” he added. Citizens can also contact the police at 0141-2741322 to report incidents, the senior official added. Seven Strategies Focus Areas The campaign will tackle cybercrime through seven key focus areas: Resolving Cyber Complaints: All complaints reported through the cybercrime portal and helpline 1930 will be addressed. Blocking Suspicious SIMs and IMEIs: Identifying and deactivating suspicious SM cards and IMEI numbers linked to fraudulent activities. Targeting Crime Hotspots: Identifying areas prone to cybercrime and taking preventive action. Arresting Offenders: Pursuing wanted criminals, standing warrants, and proclaimed offenders in cyber-related cases. Recovering Mobile Devices: Focus on recovering and returning lost or stolen mobile handsets to their rightful owners. Public Awareness: Conducting widespread awareness campaigns to educate citizens about cyber crimes and preventive measures. Building a Cyber Criminal Database: Creating a comprehensive database of cyber criminals across Rajasthan for better tracking and prevention. “We have issued detailed guidelines to senior officers across all police ranges and districts through video conferencing to ensure the success of this campaign,” said Priyadarshi.

WhatsApp, the biggest social media platform misused by cyber criminals in India

“Cyber Crime Theory to Practice – A Comprehensive Guide for Law Enforcement. (9)

14,746 complaints were related to WhatsApp, 7,651 against Telegram, 7,152 against Instagram, 7,051 against Facebook, and 1,135 against YouTube till March 2024, says MHA report WhatsApp remains the biggest social media platform that is possibly misused by cyber criminals in India, according to the latest annual report of the Union Home Ministry. The data published in the report on “cybercrime complaints where Big Tech platforms have been misused” shows that 14,746 complaints were related to WhatsApp, 7,651 against Telegram, 7,152 against Instagram, 7,051 against Facebook, and 1,135 against YouTube till March 2024. “Big techs play an important role in proactive identification and action on cybercriminals. I4C has partnered with Google and Facebook for sharing intelligence and signals for proactive actions,” the report said. National Cybercrime Threat Analytical Unit (NCTAU) of I4C analyses the complaints reported on the portal and prepares analysis reports on the latest trends of cybercrime and misuse of services provided by service providers, it said. “These reports are shared with all the concerned stakeholders, i.e., banks, wallets, merchants, payments aggregators, payment gateways, e-commerce, and other departments to take preventive measures and mitigate the misuse of their platforms/services,” the report said. The Ministry has also rolled out a Cyber Volunteer Framework, which enables citizens to enroll as cyber volunteers for reporting unlawful content on the Internet, dissemination of cyber hygiene, and as cyber experts to aid law enforcement under which 54,833 volunteers had registered by March 31, 2024, according to the report. The Ministry’s integrated platform Citizen Financial Cyber Frauds Reporting and Management System (CFCFRMS), where all stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies of States/Union Territories, all major banks and financial intermediaries, payment wallets, crypto exchanges, and e-commerce companies, work in tandem. The platform ensures quick, decisive, and system-based effective action to prevent the flow of money from the victim’s account to the cyber fraudster’s account, and the seized money is restored to the victim following due legal process, it said. “Since its launch in April 2021, so far this platform has been able to save more than Rs 16 billion from going into the hands of fraudsters, and thus benefiting more than 5,75,000 victims,” it said.