A 76-year-old retired Central government employee in Hyderabad was allegedly duped of ₹80 lakh by cyber fraudsters who posed as officials from government agencies and threatened him with arrest in a “digital arrest” scam.
According to police, the fraudsters impersonated officials from the telecom department and investigative agencies, creating panic by falsely accusing the victim of involvement in serious cybercrime activities.
Fraudsters posed as telecom and investigation officials
The victim, identified as Dasaka Srikrishan Bhagavan, is a retired employee of All India Radio and Doordarshan and resides in Kakatiya Colony under the LB Nagar police station limits in Ranga Reddy district.
Police said the victim received a call on March 5, 2026, from an unknown number. The caller claimed to be from the telecom department and alleged that a mobile phone purchased in Mumbai had been registered using the victim’s Aadhaar details as an alternate number.
The fraudster further claimed that the number was being used to send illegal advertisements and harassment messages, adding that a criminal case had already been registered against him.
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Fake investigation and money-laundering allegations
During the call, the victim was told that the case was being investigated by a person posing as a CBI officer named Sachin Yadav. The scammers alleged that a bank account had been opened in the victim’s name and used for large financial transactions.
They further claimed that the account had been linked to ₹2 crore in narcotics-related transactions, intensifying the pressure on the victim to cooperate with the supposed investigation.
Another person identifying himself as “Chief Investigation Officer Ajay Gupta” later joined the call and questioned the victim about a debit card allegedly issued by a bank with a balance of ₹80 lakh.
Fake court hearing staged over WhatsApp
The fraudsters then escalated the scheme by sending a “bail form” through WhatsApp and instructing the victim to fill it out while keeping the matter confidential.
They also forced him to join a WhatsApp video call, during which a person posing as a judge of a Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court conducted a fake hearing.
The scammers displayed forged documents allegedly issued by the Supreme Court and warned the victim that he would face arrest and severe legal consequences if he failed to comply.
Victim transfers ₹80 lakh
Fearing arrest and legal action, the victim eventually transferred ₹80 lakh to bank accounts provided by the fraudsters.
After realizing he had been cheated, he approached the police and filed a complaint.
Based on the complaint, authorities registered a case and launched an investigation into the cyber fraud and the individuals involved.
Growing trend of digital arrest scams
“Digital arrest” scams are a form of cyber fraud where criminals impersonate law-enforcement or government officials and pressure victims into transferring money by falsely claiming they are under investigation or virtual custody.
Such scams have been increasingly reported across India, particularly targeting senior citizens by exploiting fear of legal consequences.
Police have urged the public to remain cautious about unsolicited calls from individuals claiming to be government or law-enforcement officials and to report suspicious communications immediately.
About the author – Ayesha Aayat is a law student and contributor covering cybercrime, online frauds, and digital safety concerns. Her writing aims to raise awareness about evolving cyber threats and legal responses.
