A disturbing cybercrime case from Bijnor has revealed how prolonged online harassment and intimidation, described as a “digital arrest” scam, allegedly pushed a 28-year-old woman named Monika to die by suicide. The case came to light in an unusual and unsettling manner, as her phone continued to ring repeatedly even during her cremation, exposing a pattern of sustained psychological pressure and fraud.
Monika died on the night of April 27–28, reportedly hanging herself with a dupatta in her home in Faridpur Bhogi village while her two young daughters were asleep nearby. The following morning, her children discovered her body. Initially, the incident was not reported to the police, as the family proceeded with last rites amid social pressures and uncertainty. However, events took a dramatic turn during the cremation when her mobile phone kept receiving repeated calls, raising suspicion among family members that something was seriously wrong.
When Monika’s nephew answered one of the calls, the caller appeared on a video call dressed like a police officer and claimed to be from the Crime Branch. He demanded to speak to Monika and issued threats when informed she was unavailable. Even after being told that she had died, the caller allegedly continued issuing warnings and extended threats toward her husband. This interaction prompted the family to re-examine the circumstances surrounding her death.
Subsequent searches of Monika’s belongings led to the discovery of a suicide note in her diary, which described ongoing harassment by unknown individuals. Examination of her phone revealed multiple WhatsApp calls, messages, and audio clips from several numbers. The callers allegedly impersonated law enforcement officials, accusing her of serious crimes such as trafficking and threatening legal consequences. Investigators believe these individuals fabricated a narrative of “digital arrest,” a scam tactic where victims are psychologically manipulated into believing they are under official investigation or custody.
Through continuous calls, intimidation, and threats of reputational damage, the perpetrators allegedly attempted to extort money from Monika. The harassment reportedly persisted even after her death, with callers continuing to contact the family and issuing further threats. This escalation ultimately led the family to approach the police.
Following a complaint filed by her husband, authorities registered a case at Kotwali City police station under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Investigators are currently analysing the suicide note, call records, and digital evidence to trace those responsible and determine the full extent of the alleged cyber harassment and extortion.
The case highlights the growing threat of “digital arrest” scams, where criminals exploit fear of law enforcement to manipulate victims into compliance. While reported cases of such frauds declined significantly in 2025 compared to 2024, they still accounted for a notable share of cybercrime-related financial losses. Despite the reduction in numbers, the psychological impact of these scams remains severe, particularly when victims are isolated and unable to verify the authenticity of threats.
Monika’s case illustrates how sustained digital intimidation can escalate beyond financial exploitation to cause extreme emotional distress. The continuation of threatening calls even after her death underscores the persistence and ruthlessness of such networks, reinforcing the need for stronger awareness, quicker reporting, and robust enforcement mechanisms to prevent similar tragedies.
