What sets this case apart is the criminals’ sophisticated understanding of digital assets.Srivastav, who operates his business through a network of 16 mobile phones, with an iPhone serving as the primary server, was specifically targeted for his extensive social media presence.The perpetrators not only seized two of his phones but also managed to link their own SIM cards to his social media accounts, potentially gaining access to his follower base of thousands.”This appears to be a meticulously planned operation targeting not just physical assets but digital infrastructure,” said Police Inspector A.K. Bharwad, who is heading the investigation.The victim stated, “The perpetrators showed specific interest in gaining control of the victim’s social media accounts, suggesting their ultimate goal might be to defraud his followers.”The Vadodara Rural Police has launched a manhunt for four unidentified suspects. The case has been registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Samhita and the Information Technology Act, including charges of criminal intimidation, wrongful confinement, and impersonation of public servants.The incident has not only disrupted Srivastav’s business operations but also forced him to miss the Coldplay concert scheduled for January 26th, for which he had made advance plans. Law enforcement authorities are particularly concerned about the potential for the perpetrators to exploit Srivastav’s follower base for fraudulent activities.This case highlights the evolving nature of cyber-enabled crimes, where criminals combine traditional kidnapping tactics with sophisticated digital theft, targeting individuals with a significant online presence and their valuable digital assets.
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