Noida: In a deeply disturbing cybercrime case from Uttar Pradesh’s Noida, an MBBS final-year student and her entire family were subjected to what fraudsters called a “digital arrest” for nearly five days. The scammers impersonated CBI officers, kept the victims under continuous video call surveillance, and mentally harassed them using fabricated terror-linked allegations.
Terror Fear Turned Home Into a Virtual Prison
According to the police and the victim’s family, the incident began on April 6 when the MBBS student received a call from an unknown number. The caller claimed to be a senior official from a central investigation agency and alleged that the student’s Aadhaar credentials had been misused to issue a SIM card, which was allegedly linked to conversations about a blast near Delhi’s Red Fort.
The fraudsters escalated the fear further by claiming that a bank account had been opened using the student’s documents and that funds had been transferred from Pakistan into the account for terrorist activities. These highly sensitive and fabricated accusations immediately created panic and psychological pressure on the entire family.
To make the claims appear legitimate, the scammers sent fake official-looking documents over WhatsApp and introduced themselves as CBI officers. They then ordered the family to remain under continuous “digital arrest,” instructing them to stay on video call at all times and follow every instruction without interruption.
The family included a retired Agriculture Ministry official, her sister who retired from the Urban Development Ministry, and the MBBS student. The fraudsters prohibited them from switching off phones, contacting anyone, or maintaining normal daily routines, effectively isolating them completely.
In one of the most alarming aspects of the case, the MBBS student was reportedly kept under surveillance even during her studies and examination process. She was forced to keep her camera on while studying and was monitored even while travelling to her exam centre, causing extreme mental stress and fear.
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Five Days of Nonstop Surveillance and Mental Torture
For five continuous days, the family lived under what felt like a virtual confinement inside their own home. Even during night hours, the video calls remained active. The fraudsters repeatedly threatened them with legal consequences if they disconnected the call, intensifying their psychological distress.
During this period, the scammers extorted nearly ₹3 lakh from the family through multiple bank transfers. Around ₹1 lakh was transferred from the account of the retired official of the Urban Development Ministry. However, swift intervention by the bank and cyber cell helped freeze approximately ₹2 lakh, preventing further financial loss.
Neighbours’ Suspicion Finally Broke the Scam’s Grip
The incident came to light on April 10 when neighbours noticed unusual silence and lack of activity in the apartment for several days. Suspicious, one neighbour entered the flat under a pretext and discovered signs of distress. The Apartment Owners Association (AOA) president and security personnel were immediately informed.
When the door was not opened, it was forcibly broken, and the family was rescued. Soon after intervention, the video call was disconnected, ending the so-called “digital arrest” ordeal.
Police from Sector-113 station reached the spot and initiated a detailed investigation. Authorities are now tracing the bank accounts, mobile numbers, and digital transaction trails used in the fraud.
Officials have reiterated that no government agency, including the CBI or ED, conducts investigations or demands money over video calls. Citizens have been urged to immediately report such incidents to the police.
Expert View: Fraudsters Now Use Fear, Surveillance and Fake Authority
Cyber crime expert and former IPS officer Professor Triveni Singh has expressed concern over the growing trend of such cases, stating that “digital arrest” scams have evolved into highly organised psychological crimes. According to him, offenders use fear, fabricated cases, and continuous surveillance tactics to completely dominate victims mentally and isolate them from external help.
He further emphasized that awareness, immediate disconnection from suspicious calls, and open communication within families are crucial preventive measures, as criminals often succeed by isolating victims.
Experts warn that such incidents are rapidly increasing and represent not just financial fraud but a dangerous form of psychological cyber torture targeting vulnerable individuals through fear and manipulation.
