How UP Police Rescued a Doctor Held Under Digital Arrest for 7 Hours in a Hotel – Read Details Inside

A doctor in Bareilly found himself in the clutches of cyber fraudsters who trapped him in a web of threats and manipulation for over seven hours. The incident highlights the growing sophistication of cybercrime and the importance of quick thinking and timely intervention.

The trouble began when the doctor received a call from scammers who falsely claimed that his Aadhaar card was involved in fraudulent activities across multiple states. Posing as officials, the fraudsters threatened him with a “digital arrest” and warned that if he disconnected the call, officers from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) would immediately raid his residence.

Paralyzed by fear, the doctor chose not to alert his family. Instead, he scribbled a note stating, “I am trapped,” and discreetly passed it to his relatives. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, his family promptly contacted the police.

Police officers, under the guidance of SP City Bareilly, quickly traced the doctor’s location to a local hotel. They discovered that he had been coerced into bringing sensitive banking documents with him to the hotel room. The scammers had forced him to stay under their control via continuous phone communication, demanding critical financial information.

Despite several attempts, the doctor refused to open the hotel room door, fearing retaliation from the scammers. In a clever move, the police collaborated with hotel staff to stage a fake fire alarm. The ruse forced the doctor to open the door, allowing the police to intervene. The officers confiscated his phone and ended the ongoing video call with the fraudsters.

Upon investigation, it was revealed that the scammers had already obtained sensitive details for three bank accounts, totaling Rs 50 lakh. The fraudsters were mere steps away from draining these accounts when the police thwarted their efforts.

Further questioning uncovered the modus operandi of the scammers. They had fabricated allegations of financial fraud against the doctor and used intimidation tactics, such as fabricated claims of legal action and surveillance by central agencies, to control him. The doctor admitted that fear of public disgrace and legal consequences kept him from seeking help earlier.

This case is a stark reminder of the growing menace of cybercrime. The police have urged citizens to remain vigilant and to verify the credentials of anyone making such claims. They also warned against sharing OTPs or sensitive banking details over the phone.

The timely actions of the police and the doctor’s family not only saved the doctor from financial ruin but also exposed the elaborate tactics employed by cybercriminals. As cyber frauds become increasingly complex, this incident underscores the critical need for awareness and prompt reporting of suspicious activities.