Stay Alert Against 'Digital Arrests', Says Modi

PM offers 3-step solution to cyber frauds - stop, think & take action; says probe agencies working to combat menace

- MUKESH RANJAN

AMID rising incidents of "digital arrests," Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday appealed to the citizens in the 115th episode of his "Maan Ki Baat" radio broadcast not to panic when faced with suspicious audio or video calls. He also assured the nation that investigating agencies are actively working to combat these threats in collaboration with the state governments.

"Whenever you receive a call from fraudsters, either audio or video, don't be scared. You should be aware that no investigating agency ever inquires about matters like this. I give three steps to digital security: Stop, Think and Take action," said the PM.

Modi's message comes at a moment when digital frauds are posing a challenge to personal security and public trust in technology. He said there is no system like 'digital arrest' in law. "This is just a fraud, deceit, it is a lie - a gang of criminals doing this are enemies of the society," PM said, adding that all investigating agencies are working with state governments to deal with the problem.