Cyber fraud arrests spike in Bhagalpur; 53 held in 2024 as digital crimes rise

Bhagalpur, Bihar – Cybercrime has surged sharply in Bhagalpur district this year, with police making 53 arrests in connection with various digital fraud cases. According to local law enforcement, the number of cyber fraud complaints has risen significantly, prompting intensified surveillance and prompt action against offenders.

The arrests span multiple types of cyber fraud, including UPI scams, online shopping fraud, fake job offers, and impersonation on social media platforms. Police sources reveal that since January 2024, at least 120 cybercrime complaints have been lodged—an increase of over 120% compared to the same period last year. Authorities attribute the spike to increased internet penetration, widespread smartphone usage, and the growing reliance on digital payment systems.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Vinod Kumar stated that many cases involve fraudsters impersonating bank officials or government employees to extract sensitive information from unsuspecting victims. “The perpetrators often target elderly citizens and those with limited digital literacy,” he said. “They use fake helpline numbers and phishing links to gain access to bank accounts.”