MAIHAR: A shocking cyber fraud case has emerged from the Amarpatan police station area in Maihar district, where a 69-year-old retired employee was allegedly kept under “digital arrest” for nearly 15 days by fraudsters impersonating officials from Delhi Police, the telecom department, and the CBI, ultimately cheating him out of ₹22 lakh. The victim was subjected to continuous psychological pressure and isolated in his own home under strict instructions from the accused.
The victim, Manendra Singh, a retired timekeeper from the Public Health Engineering Department, received a phone call on May 5, 2026. The caller, a woman identifying herself as “Aditi Sharma,” claimed to be an official from the Delhi Telecom Department. She alleged that a bank account had been opened in his name in Delhi, which was being used in a multi-crore money laundering case.
Escalation and Impersonation of Central Investigators
Soon after, the intimidation escalated. The victim was told that if he did not “reach Delhi within two hours,” a warrant would be issued and he would be arrested immediately. When he expressed inability due to his age and health, he was connected via video call to a person claiming to be an IPS officer named “Sunil Kumar Gautam,” which further intensified his fear.
Another individual, “Pradeep Singh,” later joined the call, introducing himself as a CBI team leader and stating that he was taking over the investigation. The fraudsters kept the victim under constant surveillance through calls and messages, instructing him not to speak to anyone and to remain in contact every hour.
The accused even forced him to use a codeword, “WE ARE SAFE,” to confirm his compliance, ensuring continuous psychological control. For nearly two weeks, the elderly man remained confined to his home in a state of fear and mental distress.
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Liquidation of Fixed Deposits Under Duress
Under the guise of investigation, the fraudsters obtained detailed financial information including bank accounts and fixed deposits. On May 18, the victim was coerced into breaking four fixed deposits belonging to him and his wife, Pushpa Singh, amounting to approximately ₹22.69 lakh, which was transferred into a specified account.
The next day, the accused sent a fake letter purportedly issued by the Reserve Bank of India, instructing verification of funds, and subsequently transferred ₹22 lakh via RTGS into a private company account. Even after the transaction, the fraudsters continued their pressure tactics for several days. On May 23, they demanded an additional ₹8 lakh and even suggested pledging household jewellery, which raised suspicion in the victim’s mind. He then informed his family about the entire incident.
Registration of Case and Institutional Warning
The family immediately identified it as a cyber fraud and reported the matter to the police. Following the complaint, Amarpatan police registered a case against Aditi Sharma, Sunil Kumar Gautam, and Pradeep Singh under charges of cheating, criminal conspiracy, and relevant provisions of the IT Act. The investigation has been handed over to the cyber cell, which is now tracing bank accounts, mobile numbers, and financial transactions linked to the case.
The incident once again highlights the growing threat of “digital arrest” scams in which cybercriminals use fear, fake identities, and official-looking procedures to psychologically trap victims and extract money over extended periods.
