Ahmedabad: A city sessions court on Monday rejected the bail plea of an accused in a “digital arrest” fraud case in which a 79-year-old woman from Hansol was allegedly cheated of Rs 38 lakh.Subhash Biswal, a native of Odisha who was living in Vapi at the time of his arrest, is accused of being part of a group that allegedly trapped the woman between March 3 and 6 by posing as officials of the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad.Police said the accused used video calls and showed a setup featuring a board of the Anti-Terrorism Squad to convince the victim.According to the prosecution, the woman was told she had been in contact with a terrorist and was asked to transfer money in the name of verification. Police said that after Biswal’s arrest, they found him operating an account in the name of SS Enterprise, from which Rs 8 lakh was recovered. Investigators suspect the remaining amount was withdrawn or transferred by other accused in the case.Biswal denied the allegations in his bail application. Public prosecutor Sudhir Brahmbhatt opposed the plea and relied on an affidavit filed by the investigating officer detailing the findings of the probe.After the hearing, additional sessions judge J I Patel said, “A prima facie case of fraud is made out against the applicant, who allegedly deceived the complainant, obtained money from her and earned commission from the proceeds. The investigation is still underway and three other complaints have also been registered.”Noting that the case pertains to a “digital arrest” scam and considering the nature of the offence and the prescribed punishment, the court held that it would not be just or reasonable to exercise its discretionary powers in favour of the applicant.
