A 69-year-old Greater Kailash businesswoman running a furniture firm was held captive in her own home for nine days by cyber fraudsters executing a brutal “digital arrest” scam, police revealed. Meenakshi Ahuja transferred a staggering ₹6.9 crore under continuous WhatsApp surveillance before bank officials intervened, though her fear prevented disclosure.
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9-Day Digital Imprisonment Unfolds
The horror began January 5 when scammers posing as law enforcement contacted the widow, whose children live abroad (son in Australia, daughter in Gurugram). Claiming her SIM was used for illegal activities leading to money laundering charges, they escalated threats of imminent arrest unless she cooperated fully.
Under round-the-clock video surveillance, Ahuja was forbidden from contacting family or leaving home. Fraudsters warned of “dire consequences” while demanding complete compliance, transforming her residence into a digital prison.
₹6.9 Cr Drained Through Terror
Between January 5-13, the victim executed three massive RTGS transfers under sustained psychological torture:
- January 9: ₹4 crore (first massive hit)
- January 12: ₹1.6 crore + ₹1.3 crore
Fraudsters forced physical bank visits for verification. Alert officials questioned the ₹4 crore transfer, but terrified Ahuja claimed it was for her “daughter’s property purchase,” silencing suspicions temporarily. Contact severed post-final payment prompted police complaint January 14.
FIR Launched, Money Trail Probe
South Delhi police registered FIR January 14, analyzing three beneficiary accounts and tracing international money trails. No arrests yet, but investigation follows recent ₹14 crore NRI elderly couple digital arrest bust where ₹1.9 crore was frozen.
Delhi cyber fraud exploded—₹1,250 crore losses in 2025 (up from ₹1,100 crore 2024), though recovery improved from 10% to 24%. Digital arrest scams targeting seniors now rank among fastest-growing threats.
Police urge senior citizens to immediately alert family/banks on unsolicited agency calls and dial 1930 helpline for verification—your silence enables scammers.
About the author – Ayesha Aayat is a law student and contributor covering cybercrime, online frauds, and digital safety concerns. Her writing aims to raise awareness about evolving cyber threats and legal responses.
