Pramesh S Jain
A 74-year-old man and his sister has become latest victim of “digital arrest”and lost a total of Rs.80.5 lakh by a gang of cyber fraudsters impersonating a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) and coercing him into transferring large sums under the pretext of a money-laundering investigation.
According to the complaint filed by victim a resident of Haines Road Cross,Nanjappa Garden,the incident began on October 30,2025,around 9:30 am,when he received a WhatsApp call and the caller claimed that Shanmugavelu’s mobile number was linked to an international money-laundering case and that the matter was being monitored by a DYSP.
The fraudster shared “official-looking”documents and convinced the victim that his bank accounts were under scrutiny by the Reserve Bank of India.He was told that his financial details had to be verified immediately to avoid legal action.
Believing the claim,the victim disclosed his personal information,including details of his Post Office fixed deposit worth Rs.30 lakh.
The scammers then contacted him through WhatsApp numbers +91 96151 32888 and +855 6049 2738, instructing him to transfer the deposit amount for “verification”.
On October 31,2025,the victim transferred Rs 35 lakh , followed by another transfer from his bank account after liquidating the saving deposits belonging to his sister Sasikalavathy’s Post Office fixed deposit was also encashed and credited.
The accused threatened the duo not to venture out and lock the house from inside and not to talk to anyone and cooperate with them until the completion of the investigation .
The accused even threatened to arrest the brother and sister if they venture out of the house.Scared duo followed the instructions and transferred the money in different dates
Later,another caller convinced him that officials would visit his home and that he must keep cash ready.When no one arrived,he grew suspicious but had already shared sensitive details.
The victims on November 29,got a call again from the accused asking them to visit the nearest police station for further procedure .
The scam came to light when Shanmugavelu visited the station to get an update and came to know that he has been cheated.
Based on the advise he filed a complaint with the East division cyber crime police on Tuesday based on which the police have registered an FIR against unknown people charging them under IT Act and also under section 308 (extortion)and 318(4) (cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property) under BNS for further investigations .
