Yes, police custody can be granted without physical remand in certain circumstances, especially in the digital age, but it depends on the laws of the specific jurisdiction and the discretion of the court.

With the rise of cybercrime and digital investigations, courts may allow virtual or remote interrogations or impose digital monitoring conditions instead of traditional physical remand. For instance, if the accused is cooperating and there’s no flight risk or threat to the investigation, courts may opt for judicial custody or allow questioning while the person remains at home or in a controlled environment, especially if evidence can be retrieved digitally.

However, in more serious cases—like those involving national security, organized crime, or complex digital fraud—physical custody may still be necessary to allow direct access to the suspect, their devices, and to prevent tampering with digital evidence.

Ultimately, whether police custody without physical remand is granted depends on factors like:

1. Nature and seriousness of the offense
2. Risk of evidence tampering or non-cooperation
3. Stage and needs of the investigation
4. Health and safety considerations (e.g., during pandemics)

Courts strive to balance investigative needs with the rights of the accused, and modern technology has made more flexible custodial arrangements increasingly viable.