UP Police Launch ‘Scam Files’ with Nana Patekar to Bust the Myth of “Digital Arrest” and Fight Cyber Fraud
In a strong push to combat the growing menace of cybercrime, the Uttar Pradesh Police has released a hard-hitting short film titled Scam Files across its official social media platforms.
The 5.27-minute film, unveiled on Thursday, is designed to educate citizens about emerging cyber fraud tactics—most notably the so-called “digital arrest” scam—and empower them to respond wisely.
Anchored by a compelling performance from veteran actor Nana Patekar, the film draws inspiration from a recent real-life cyber fraud attempt reported from Kanpur, where an alert citizen successfully thwarted conmen posing as law enforcement officials.
The narrative underscores a critical message: there is no legal concept known as “digital arrest, and any demand for money or personal data through threatening calls or video links should immediately raise an alarm.
Crafted by Cinema and Policing Minds
Directed by filmmaker Raj Shandilya, Scam Files blends cinematic storytelling with real-world relevance.
The script has been penned by Rahul Srivastava, the PRO to Director General of Police Rajeev Krishna, who is widely credited for innovative communication initiatives during his previous postings.
Shot across multiple locations in Mumbai, the film uses a crisp, engaging format to explain how cyber fraudsters operate, how victims are psychologically trapped, and what immediate steps can prevent financial and emotional loss.
Characters That Drive the Message Home
Nana Patekar plays the role of a vigilant, well-informed citizen, while actor Leena Sharma portrays his wife.
The antagonist—a fake cyber inspector—is enacted by Kishore Soni, contrasting sharply with the role of a genuine police officer played by Adil Irani.
Together, the cast delivers a simple yet powerful lesson on distinguishing real law enforcement from digital impostors.
Statewide and Digital Outreach
Beyond social media platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, X, and Instagram, Scam Files will also be screened in cinema halls across Uttar Pradesh to ensure wider public outreach, particularly among audiences less active online.
The initiative forms part of DGP Rajeev Krishna’s broader cyber safety agenda. Upon assuming office in July, he had identified curbing cybercrime as one of his 11 top priorities and directed senior IPS officers to actively engage with citizens.
Under this campaign, zonal-level cyber awareness workshops have already sensitised over one lakh people across more than 25 districts, including students, businesspersons, elected representatives, and community leaders.
A Proven Awareness Strategy
Uttar Pradesh Police has consistently used short films as an innovative public outreach tool. In the past, awareness films have featured Bollywood stars such as Ajay Devgn, Rajkummar Rao, Taapsee Pannu, and Triptii Dimri, focusing on issues ranging from online fraud and OTP sharing to internet addiction.
During Mahakumbh 2025, similar films starring Shashi Verma and Sanjay Mishra were broadcast to warn pilgrims about accommodation and online scams.
A police spokesperson said the latest film marks another decisive step towards building a digitally aware society.
“Our aim is not just enforcement, but prevention. By informing citizens, we reduce the space in which cyber criminals operate,” the spokesperson said.
With Scam Files, Uttar Pradesh Police has once again demonstrated how cinema, when combined with public policy, can become a powerful instrument for social awareness and digital safety.
Meanwhile, the film’s story has inspired several senior citizens who feel that to make it pan-India, such a marvellous and educative film should be dubbed in several regional languages, particularly areas where people speak their own regional language and hardly understand all Hindi words.
This attempt would go a long way in saving hard-earned money from the hands of fraudsters. As a matter of fact, cyber thugs are not operating just in the hindi speaking belt, they are everywhere.
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