Even MLCs are not safe: Bihar RJD leader says ‘digitally arrested’ at home for hours
Mohammad Shoaib received calls from two phone numbers on April 8, and the caller introduced himself as an officer from the Mumbai Police Cyber Crime Unit.
The complaint mentioned that the fraudsters also cited a fake case number and provided a mobile number linked to the MLC to lend credibility to their claims.
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Rashtriya Janata Dal’s Mohammad Shoaib, a Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) in Bihar, was allegedly “digitally arrested” at his Patna residence by cyber criminals who “extracted his personal information”, police said.
According to an FIR registered on the evening of April 10 based on Shoaib’s complaint, the accused coerced and threatened him with “legal action and even death” if he attempted to leave his home or seek help.
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The complaint mentioned that he received calls from two phone numbers around 10:30 am on April 8, and the caller introduced himself as an officer from the Mumbai Police Cyber Crime Unit.
“They said that I was involved in a money laundering case and had done fraudulent transactions and illegal online activities to the tune of crores through a Canara Bank account in Mumbai,” the FIR quotes him as saying.
The complaint mentioned that the fraudsters also cited a fake case number and provided a mobile number linked to the MLC to lend credibility to their claims.
The accused “virtually confined” Shoaib until midnight, repeatedly “threatening him with legal consequences and forcing him to share personal details, including sensitive banking information, to resolve the situation”.
“They even extracted my personal information, including Aadhaar number, details of assets such as gold and cash reserves, and a few records of my possessions. They also took my signature on blank paper,” the MLC told the police in his statement.
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“They said that if you step out of your house or reach out to others for assistance, chances are that you might even be killed,” he alleged.
Eventually suspecting foul play, Shoaib contacted the authorities to report the matter and filed the complaint.
Police have registered the case under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act.
Himanshu Harsh is a Correspondent with The Indian Express, currently leading on-the-ground coverage in Bihar. With a reporting career rooted in the complexities of the National Capital Region (NCR), Himanshu specializes in the critical intersection of law, crime, and civic governance.
Professional Expertise & Credentials
An alumnus of the prestigious Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Delhi, Himanshu brings a rigorous academic foundation to his investigative work. His expertise is characterized by a "ground-up" reporting style, most notably demonstrated during his extensive coverage of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where he analyzed shifting political landscapes and grassroots sentiment.
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Himanshu’s portfolio reflects versatility, allowing him to navigate diverse industries and social issues:
Civic & Legal Affairs: Extensive experience covering the Delhi reporting beat, focusing on policy implementation and judicial impact.
Automotive Industry: A technical background in reporting on India’s evolving transport and automotive sectors.
Social Fabric & Human Interest: Beyond hard news, he is known for exploring the changing social dynamics of India’s urban and rural heartlands, bringing a human-centric lens to systemic issues.
Personal Interests & Digital Literacy
Outside the newsroom, Himanshu’s deep engagement with technology and gaming informs his understanding of digital trends and the modern information economy. A trained DJ with a passion for music, his diverse personal interests contribute to a well-rounded perspective that resonates across both traditional and digital media platforms. ... Read More
