A 65-year-old retired bank employee in Rajasthan’s Sikar district has allegedly been cheated of ₹55 lakh in a digital arrest scam after fraudsters posed as police officers, Enforcement Directorate officials and a Supreme Court judge. Police said the victim was threatened with a fake money laundering case and kept under pressure through continuous video calls for nearly two days.
Fraudsters Posed as Officials
According to cyber police, the victim, Mahavir Prasad Sharma, received a WhatsApp call from an unidentified person claiming to be a Delhi Police officer. The caller alleged that a SIM card issued in Sharma’s name had been used to send objectionable messages and that multiple criminal cases had been registered against him.
When Sharma denied the allegations, the fraudsters allegedly increased the pressure by claiming that he was linked to a money laundering case. During later WhatsApp video calls, they allegedly impersonated police officials, ED representatives and a Supreme Court judge, and showed fabricated virtual court proceedings to make the claims appear credible.
Victim Kept on Video Calls
Police said the accused kept Sharma engaged on WhatsApp video calls for nearly two days. They allegedly instructed him not to contact his family or anyone else, citing “national security” and an ongoing investigation.
Under fear and sustained mental pressure, Sharma allegedly transferred ₹55 lakh in two instalments to bank accounts provided by the fraudsters. The matter came to light after his son noticed his unusual behaviour and questioned him, following which the family approached the cyber police.
Cyber Police Examine Digital Trail
A case has been registered at the Cyber Police Station in Sikar. Investigators are examining WhatsApp call records, mobile numbers, bank transactions and other digital evidence linked to the fraud.
Police said the accused switched off all mobile numbers used in the crime after receiving the money. According to police, 19 cyber fraud cases were registered in Sikar district between January and June 2026, involving losses of more than ₹1.5 crore. Further legal action will be taken based on the evidence collected.
