Jind Cyber Police Uncover Instagram Scam Ring Impersonating Army Personnel
In a significant crackdown on digital fraud, the cyber crime police station in Jind has successfully dismantled a criminal gang that targeted unsuspecting youth by masquerading as Army officers on social media platforms. Law enforcement officials confirmed the arrest of two individuals connected to this elaborate scam, which involved creating deceptive Instagram profiles to emotionally manipulate victims and swindle them out of substantial sums of money.
Modus Operandi of the Accused
The arrested duo, identified as Vipin Saraswat from Parvatiya Colony and Kaushal from Sanjay Enclave Part-2 in NIT Faridabad, employed a sophisticated strategy to exploit their targets. They crafted Instagram accounts that portrayed themselves as young women, initiating conversations with potential victims to build rapport and gain their emotional trust. One such profile claimed to be a resident of Mathura, with a father serving as an Army officer posted in the challenging terrain of Siachen.
Once trust was established, the accused fabricated various urgent scenarios to extract money from their victims. These pretexts included fabricated stories about needing funds for travel expenses, medical emergencies due to illness, or sudden accidents. Over time, they convinced victims to transfer money through multiple UPI IDs, resulting in cumulative losses amounting to lakhs of rupees for those affected.
Investigation and Arrest Details
The case came to light when Ankit, a resident of Laxmi Nagar in Jind district, filed a formal complaint on December 29, 2025. He reported that after engaging with an Instagram profile posing as a girl, he was deceived into transferring a total of Rs 3.5 lakh across different dates. When promised repayments failed to materialize, he approached the authorities, leading to the registration of an FIR on the same date.
Inspector Kuldeep Singh, the in-charge of the cyber crime police station in Jind, spearheaded the investigation. The police team meticulously analyzed digital evidence, including Instagram account records, call detail records (CDR), KYC documentation, and other scientific data. This thorough probe enabled them to identify and apprehend Vipin Saraswat and Kaushal following due legal procedures.
During the operation, authorities managed to recover Rs 23,500 from the accused. Both individuals were subsequently presented before the court and remanded to district jail, as confirmed by police officials. This arrest highlights the growing threat of social media-based financial fraud and the proactive measures being taken by cyber crime units to combat such activities.
Broader Implications and Public Awareness
This incident underscores the critical need for public vigilance when interacting with strangers on social media platforms. Cyber criminals often exploit emotional vulnerabilities and impersonate credible figures, such as defense personnel, to lend legitimacy to their schemes. Authorities advise users to verify identities independently and avoid sharing personal or financial information online without proper verification.
The Jind police's swift action serves as a reminder of the importance of reporting suspicious activities promptly. As digital scams evolve in complexity, law enforcement agencies are increasingly leveraging technology and forensic tools to track down perpetrators and safeguard citizens from financial exploitation.
