A 70-year-old retired civil engineer from Kolkata has allegedly fallen victim to a massive “digital arrest” cyber fraud, in which cyber criminals posing as law enforcement and central agency officials reportedly kept him under virtual surveillance for nearly 20 days and coerced him into transferring approximately ₹326.84 million (₹32.68 crore) from his lifetime savings to multiple bank accounts. Police have registered a case and launched an investigation.
According to police, the victim, an IIT alumnus and retired civil engineer, lives with his wife in New Town, Kolkata. In his complaint, he stated that he received phone calls in December 2025 from individuals claiming to be officers of the Mumbai Crime Branch. The callers alleged that a SIM card issued using his Aadhaar details had been linked to 24 complaints and that an FIR had already been registered against him.
Despite the victim denying the allegations, the callers allegedly informed him that he was under investigation for serious offences. They reportedly escalated the pressure by invoking the names of the CBI and the Supreme Court and sent forged documents, including a fake arrest order and notices claiming that his bank accounts would be frozen.
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The complaint further alleges that, citing his advanced age, the fraudsters claimed he would not be arrested immediately but instead placed him under “house surveillance.” He was allegedly instructed to report his location every two hours and was told not to leave his residence without prior permission.
The victim has alleged that, under constant fear of arrest, he was compelled to disclose details of all his financial assets. He was assured that the verification was only a procedural requirement and that all the money would be returned after his name was cleared.
Police said that, under severe psychological pressure, the victim liquidated investments worth more than ₹220 million by selling shares, prematurely breaking fixed deposits in two banks, closing his Public Provident Fund (PPF) account, and redeeming his mutual fund investments. Approximately ₹326.84 million was subsequently transferred through RTGS and other online transactions to bank accounts allegedly specified by the fraudsters.
Investigators have found that the funds were routed to bank accounts held in the names of multiple private companies. According to the complaint, the final transfer of ₹20 million was allegedly made after the victim was told it formed part of a ₹150 million bail requirement supported by a fictitious Supreme Court order.
The victim reportedly became suspicious only after repeated promises of a refund failed to materialise. He later discussed the matter with a former colleague, who advised him to immediately approach the police.
Investigating agencies are examining call records, banking transactions, digital devices, forged documents and the movement of funds to identify the entire cyber fraud network. Officials said further legal action will be taken based on the available digital and financial evidence.
According to renowned cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh, so-called “digital arrest” is a social engineering tactic used by cyber criminals. He emphasised that no legitimate law enforcement agency in India conducts investigations through video-call “digital arrests” or directs individuals to transfer money for verification purposes. He advised the public to immediately disconnect such calls, independently verify any claims through official channels, and promptly report suspicious incidents to the police and the national cybercrime helpline. The investigation remains ongoing. The final determination of criminal liability will depend on the evidence presented during the judicial process and the decision of the competent court.
