LUCKNOW, Aug. 27 -- : The Lucknow police commissionerate's crime branch has launched "Operation Digital Kavach", a coordinated campaign aimed at tackling digital arrest scams through faster investigation, financial intervention, recovery of victims' money, arrests and public awareness. As part of the initiative, the cyber cell has managed to put a hold or lien on Rs.2.40 crore allegedly defrauded through cyber crimes between August 1 and 20, while Rs.16.97 lakh was refunded to victims during the period, police said on Wednesday. The cyber police station separately facilitated the return of Rs.24 lakh to victims. Police said the campaign focuses on tracing the money trail and technical evidence immediately after a complaint is received, besides coordinating with banks to prevent the fraudulent funds from being withdrawn or transferred further. "Digital arrest" scams typically involve fraudsters posing as police officers, CBI, ED, TRAI or other government officials. They allegedly tell victims that their names have surfaced in criminal cases or money-laundering investigations and threaten them with arrest. The fraudsters then use video calls to intimidate victims and force them to transfer money, police said. Under Operation Digital Kavach, the crime branch is analysing digital and financial evidence to identify individual accused and uncover their wider networks, including those operating across state borders. The initiative is being led by the ADCP (Crime), with financial intervention and recovery being prioritised alongside arrests. Police said a key component of the campaign is preventing such frauds through awareness. Citizens are being told that there is no legal procedure called "digital arrest" and that no police officer or government investigating agency asks people to transfer money over a video call to avoid arrest or have a case closed. Additional deputy commissioner of police (Crime) Kiran Yadav, an IPS officer, appealed to citizens to watch and share an awareness film prepared by the Uttar Pradesh Police on digital arrest scams, particularly with elderly family members. The awareness film features actor Nana Patekar and is being promoted by the Lucknow crime branch as part of the campaign....