ED on Digital Arrest Scam: Multi-State Searches Conducted; Accused Arrested Under PMLA.

Headnote:

The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Jalandhar Zonal Office, conducted coordinated search operations across five States in connection with a money laundering investigation arising out of a “digital arrest” cyber fraud case involving eminent industrialist Shri S. P. Oswal. The investigation revealed impersonation of CBI officers, use of forged judicial documents, diversion and layering of proceeds of crime through mule accounts, and resulted in the arrest of a key accused under the PMLA.

Background:

• On 22.12.2025, the ED conducted searches at 11 locations across Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Assam under the provisions of the PMLA, 2002.

• The investigation was initiated on the basis of an FIR registered by Cyber Crime Police Station, Ludhiana, under provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.

• Subsequently, nine additional FIRs relating to cybercrime and digital arrest fraud involving the same syndicate were also taken up by the ED.

• The case pertains to the digital arrest of Shri S. P. Oswal, during which fraudsters impersonating officers of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) coerced him into transferring funds by using forged official and judicial documents.

ED’s Findings

• During the digital arrest, the victim was fraudulently induced to transfer ₹7 crore into various bank accounts.

• Of the cheated amount, ₹5.24 crore was traced, recovered and transferred back.

• The remaining funds were routed through multiple mule accounts held in the names of labourers and delivery personnel and were either further diverted or withdrawn in cash immediately.

• Investigation revealed that the proceeds of crime were rapidly layered and laundered by a group of individuals using mule account credentials.

• It was found that Ms. Rumi Kalita used the credentials of such mule accounts and received a fixed percentage of the cheated money as her share.

• Evidence recovered during the searches showed her active involvement in diversion and layering of proceeds of crime.

Arrest and Custody

• Ms. Rumi Kalita was arrested on 23.12.2025 under the provisions of the PMLA, 2002.

• The Hon’ble CJM Court, Kamrup (M), Guwahati, granted four days’ transit remand.

• Thereafter, the accused was produced before the Hon’ble Special Court (PMLA), Jalandhar, which granted ED custody for 10 days, up to 02.01.2026.

Previous Action

• Earlier searches in the case were conducted on 31.01.2025, resulting in the seizure of incriminating documents and materials.

Legal Provisions Involved:

• Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 – Investigation, search, seizure and arrest for laundering of proceeds of crime.

• Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 – FIR and procedural framework for investigation of scheduled offences.

Further investigation is ongoing.