Digital Robbery in Miyapur: Four Youths Arrested for Looting Labourer Using UPI Scam
In a disturbing case highlighting the rising trend of digital-enabled street crimes, police in Miyapur, Hyderabad, have arrested four young men for robbing a local labourer and extorting money through mobile payment apps. The incident took place on the night of June 7, when Mohammad Qasim, a daily-wage worker and resident of Prem Nagar E-Block, was returning home after a long day’s work at a glass shop. Around 11 p.m., as he rode his bike through the Prem Nagar B-Block crematorium ground, he was confronted by a group of four men.
Not Just Cash — Now UPI Too
The attackers forcibly took his mobile phone and ₹400 in cash. But the robbery didn’t end there. Exploiting access to his phone, they sent a UPI scanner link to Qasim’s brother and manipulated him into transferring ₹15,000, followed by an additional ₹2,000. In total, ₹17,400 was looted before the assailants let Qasim go.
Swift Police Action
After Qasim lodged a complaint, the Miyapur police acted swiftly, identifying and arresting the accused — Syed Shabbir, Afroz Ali Khan, Hassen, and Harfat — within a short span of time. All four are currently in custody as the investigation continues.
This case is a stark reminder of how criminals are adapting to technology, merging traditional street crimes with digital fraud. Authorities say such hybrid crimes are on the rise, especially in urban outskirts like Miyapur, where late-night movements and isolated routes are often exploited by culprits.
Police Advisory: Stay Alert
The Cyberabad Police have urged citizens to be extra cautious while commuting at night and to safeguard their phones and UPI apps with strong passwords and biometric locks. They are also intensifying efforts to curb such crimes by increasing surveillance and patrols in vulnerable zones.
