Aligarh : Former Aligarh Mayor Shakuntala Bharti became the target of a cyber scam this week after a conman repeatedly called her, posing as a telecom company employee and accusing her of being linked to “illegal activities.”
The scammer claimed that a mobile number registered under her name was being misused for unlawful purposes and demanded money to “resolve” the issue.
When Bharti asked for clarification, the caller bluntly replied, “You’ll have to give the goods.” Upon asking what “goods” meant, the man responded in a low voice, “Money.”
Sensing the fraud, Bharti immediately recorded the conversation and shared the phone numbers with the cybercrime cell. Preliminary investigation revealed that the numbers were operating from Andhra Pradesh and Mumbai. A formal FIR has been filed at the Dehligate police station, and the police are investigating.
‘Digital Arrest’ Trick and ₹50 Lakh Demand
According to officials, the first call came on Monday at 10:26 a.m. from a man identifying himself as Sunil Kumar Tripathi, allegedly an employee of a Delhi-based telecom company. He informed Bharti that her Aadhaar card had been used to obtain a SIM card from South Nehru Place, Delhi, which was now being used for illegal purposes.
He then referred her to a woman claiming to be Sub-Inspector “Arohi Yadav” from the Connaught Place police station, who kept the former mayor under a “digital arrest” for over three hours—a manipulation tactic meant to create panic. The fraudsters continued calling on Tuesday and Wednesday, eventually demanding ₹50 lakh to “settle” the issue.
Cyber Cell in-charge Rahul Chaudhary confirmed that both phone numbers were traced to Andhra Pradesh and Mumbai. Teams are using technical surveillance to identify the individuals behind the calls.
Conversation Excerpt
Fraudster: Hello, I’m calling from the telecom company. Illegal activity has been detected on your number.
Former Mayor: I don’t have any SIM under this number, nor am I connected to it.
Fraudster: Then why is it showing under your name?
Former Mayor: Fine, tell me what needs to be done.
Fraudster: You’ll have to give some goods.
Former Mayor: What did you say?
Fraudster: I mean money.
Former Mayor (angrily): We’ll give you money and a beating too. You won’t be spared.
(The fraudster hung up immediately.)
Rising Trend of ‘Digital Arrest’ Scams
Cyber experts say this case reflects a fast-spreading form of cybercrime known as “Digital Arrest Fraud”, in which scammers impersonate police or government officials, accuse victims of legal violations, and demand payments to “avoid arrest.” Investigators believe that many such calls originate from interstate or international call centers, making them difficult to trace.
Police Advisory
Authorities have urged citizens not to trust unknown callers, especially those posing as officials or demanding money to resolve alleged legal issues. People are advised to immediately report such calls to the 1930 Cyber Helpline or via cybercrime.gov.in.
