Siddarth Sethia
In a shocking case of cyber fraud,a 94-year-old retired research scholar,Raj Gopalan,was allegedly cheated of Rs.4.91 crore by fraudsters who posed as police and bank officials and placed him under “digital arrest.”
According to police,the fraud began on December 2, 2025, when the victim received a call from an unidentified person claiming to be from a telecom office.
The caller alleged that a Human Trafficking case had been registered using the victim’s mobile number and warned him of legal consequences.
Soon after,another caller,posing as a CBI officer, contacted the victim and claimed that his bank accounts were under investigation.The accused sent a fake FIR via WhatsApp and used multiple mobile numbers to continue communication.
The fraudsters allegedly conducted video calls dressed as police officials, creating an atmosphere of fear and convincing the elderly man that he was under “digital arrest.”
He was instructed not to speak to anyone and to respond to their messages every three hours.
Police said that between December 17,2025,and February 23,2026,the victim and his wife were coerced into transferring money to multiple bank accounts through RTGS under the pretext of verifying and clearing the case.
The total amount transferred includes Rs.95.22 lakh to an Axis Bank account,Rs.76 lakh to an HDFC Bank account,₹1.02 crore and ₹57 lakh to ICICI Bank accounts, ₹23 lakh to another ICICI account,and ₹1.38 crore to an IDFC Bank account.
In total,Rs.4,91,22,000 was siphoned off by the accused. Even after receiving the money, the fraudsters reportedly continued to demand more funds.
A case has been registered,and an investigation is underway.Police have cautioned the public, particularly senior citizens,to remain vigilant and avoid sharing personal or banking details with unknown callers posing as officials.
