A shocking case of cybercrime has surfaced in Bihar’s Jahanabad where a retired doctor was told he was involved in the Delhi bomb blast and was consequently subjected to a horrifying ‘digital arrest’ for nearly 24 hours. Exploiting fear and psychological pressure, scammers allegedly extracted ₹27.30 lakh from the victim in multiple installments, under the guise of legal procedures and bail formalities.
The victim, identified as Dr. Arun Kumar, a resident of Purbi Gandhi Maidan locality, has lodged a complaint with the Cyber Police Station. An FIR has been registered and investigations are underway.
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Threatened with Arrest for Terror Links
According to Dr. Kumar, the ordeal began when an unknown number called his phone. His wife answered, and the caller insisted the matter was extremely serious and that he must speak directly to the doctor.
When Dr. Kumar came on the line, the caller introduced himself as an official from the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), Mumbai, claiming that—
“A bank account opened in your name in Jammu & Kashmir’s Canara Bank has been used for RDX transactions linked to the Delhi bomb blast. ₹3 crore has already been routed through this account.”
The fraudster further warned that non-cooperation would immediately lead to his arrest under terror charges.
Video Call with Fake DSP Created Fear
Soon after, the call was transferred to another individual who presented himself as a Deputy Superintendent of Police. He initiated a video call, appearing in police uniform with an office-like background, to appear credible.
The impersonator claimed:
“We were the ones who arrested the former Chief Minister of Delhi. If you want anticipatory bail, you must deposit ₹50 lakh immediately.”
Terrified by the allegations and confident-looking visuals, Dr. Kumar believed the threat to be real.
Forced Transactions: ₹27.30 Lakh Sent in Panic
Under intense pressure and continuous monitoring, the doctor rushed to the SBI main branch in Jahanabad. Following the scammer’s directions, he transferred money via RTGS in multiple installments:
- ₹3 lakh — first transaction
- ₹20 lakh — second transaction
- ₹2 lakh — third
- ₹2 lakh — fourth
Even after sending a total of ₹27,30,000, the fraudsters demanded ₹10 lakh more, claiming the bail process was incomplete. When his account ran dry, he called a relative for additional funds. The relative immediately identified it as a scam and alerted him.
Realizing he had been duped, Dr. Kumar contacted the 1930 cyber helpline and filed a formal complaint.
Police: Network May Extend Beyond State Borders
Cyber DSP Krishna Gopal confirmed:
“A case has been registered. We are tracking the phone numbers and bank accounts involved. Investigations are progressing to identify the individuals behind the fraud.”
He urged citizens to remain vigilant and not fall for intimidation tactics used by cybercriminals:
- Always verify identity of anyone claiming to be a government or security official
- Do not make payments due to fear of arrest or threats
- Report any suspicious activity immediately at 1930
Rise of ‘Digital Arrest’ Scams in India
Experts note a growing trend where scammers virtually confine victims by:
- Constant video surveillance
- Fake badges, uniforms, authority papers
- Threats of criminal charges and arrest
- Blocking contact with friends or authorities
The fear-driven psychological pressure leads victims to voluntarily empty their accounts, a pattern that has alarmed cybercrime units nationwide.
