Sonbhadra. Cyber fraudsters allegedly placed a retired officer from Sonbhadra under “digital arrest” by threatening him with action from senior judicial and government authorities. Over several days, they pressured him into transferring around ₹2.36 crore to three separate bank accounts. The accused allegedly continued demanding more money when bank officials noticed unusual transactions and the victim’s behavior, prompting them to alert the police. The Cyber Crime Police Station subsequently arrested three people, including the alleged main accused, and managed to freeze ₹75 lakh of the defrauded amount.
According to police, on September 22, the manager of a State Bank of India branch informed the Cyber Crime Police Station that a retired employee was repeatedly transferring large sums of money to bank accounts provided by another person. He had already transferred a substantial amount and was unable to give bank officials a clear explanation for the transactions. His behavior raised concerns that he was acting under pressure or fear.
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After receiving the information, a police team reached the bank, but the retired officer had already left. Police began tracing him and informed senior officials about the matter. During questioning and the preliminary investigation, it emerged that the accused had allegedly portrayed themselves as people connected with influential government and judicial authorities and threatened the victim with legal action and arrest.
The fraudsters allegedly used video calls and other communication channels to maintain pressure on the victim. During the alleged digital arrest, they reportedly instructed him to transfer money into different bank accounts. The victim continued following their instructions because of the fear created by the impersonation and threats.
Considering the seriousness of the case, police contacted the concerned banks and gathered information about accounts linked to the victim’s mobile number and the suspicious transactions. Immediate restrictions were placed on the relevant accounts, and alerts were activated. Teams from the Cyber Crime Police Station and Cyber Cell were deployed to monitor the mobile numbers and bank accounts allegedly used in the extortion and fraud.
Investigators subsequently used electronic evidence and banking transaction trails to identify the alleged main accused. Arun Kumar Dubey was arrested from Omaxe Apartment in Prayagraj. According to police, a Tata Harrier allegedly purchased with proceeds from the fraud and ₹2.10 lakh in cash were recovered at his instance. Five Android mobile phones and a fake identity card showing him as an Allahabad High Court advocate were also recovered.
Police are examining the seized mobile phones and other digital evidence to establish the communication network, financial transactions and possible involvement of additional people. Investigators are also trying to determine whether the accused had targeted other victims using a similar method.
The two other arrested accused have been identified as Priyanka Mishra and Tejal. Police said Arun Kumar Dubey, son of Harshu Prasad Dubey, is a resident of Vijaypur Kalna in the Chunar area of Mirzapur. Priyanka Mishra, wife of late Santosh Kumar Mishra, and Tejal, daughter of late Santosh Kumar Mishra, are residents of Ghodgalli in Shrivardhan, Raigad district, Maharashtra.
The investigation indicates that the alleged network had connections extending across three states. Police are now examining how the accused obtained the retired officer’s personal and financial information before allegedly targeting him. The account holders who received the money and other suspicious transactions connected with the case are also being investigated.
Investigators are also examining the alleged use of the fake High Court advocate identity card and whether it was intended to establish credibility and intensify pressure on the victim. Call records, messages, contact lists and digital banking-related information recovered from the devices could help investigators establish the wider network.
Bank officials’ vigilance enabled the matter to reach the police while the accused were allegedly still demanding additional money. The freezing of ₹75 lakh represents a portion of the amount allegedly transferred by the victim. Further investigation is underway to trace the remaining funds, identify other possible associates and determine whether additional victims are connected to the alleged fraud network.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
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