Cyber fraudsters once again deployed the now-familiar tactic of “digital arrest” to target a senior citizen in the city, duping him of ₹12 lakh after placing him under psychological confinement for three days. The victim, 68-year-old retired court clerk Vinod Veer Singh, a resident of Bundookatra in the Sadar area, alleged that he was instructed not to speak to anyone and was kept under constant video surveillance by the callers until he transferred the money via RTGS.
Victim’s Ordeal: Isolated for Three Days Under Fake Probe
A case has been registered at the cyber crime police station. According to the complaint, Singh received a video call on February 17 from a person claiming to be associated with an anti-terror agency. The caller stated that a terrorist linked to the Pulwama attack had been arrested and an ATM card recovered from him. The bank account, he claimed, had witnessed transactions worth ₹536 crore and was allegedly linked to Singh’s Aadhaar credentials. The caller further asserted that during interrogation, the suspect had confessed to obtaining Singh’s Aadhaar details in exchange for money.
The claims left the elderly man shaken. The caller described the matter as one involving “national security” and told him he would need to travel to Pune to record his statement. When Singh expressed his inability to travel, he was told that his statement could be recorded through video conferencing. He was strictly instructed not to speak to anyone, not to answer other phone calls, and not to step out of his house during the so-called investigation. The fraudsters warned him that his phone was under surveillance and that any mistake could endanger his family.
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Mounting Pressure: 30 Calls and RTGS Transfer Demanded
Under mounting fear and confusion, Singh remained isolated in a room at his home for three days while being subjected to repeated questioning over video calls. Initially, a man identifying himself as Pradeep Samant allegedly intimidated him. Later, another individual claiming to be Rajesh Mishra joined the call, stating that he would conduct further inquiry. Together, they created an atmosphere suggesting Singh was implicated in a serious national security case.
During this period, the fraudsters directed him to transfer ₹12 lakh to a specified bank account, describing it as part of a “verification process” to clear his name. Singh stated that on the day he went to the bank to complete the RTGS transaction, the accused remained on the phone continuously. He received nearly 30 calls that day, ensuring that he stayed under pressure and followed instructions precisely. Even after returning home, he was told to remain confined and avoid all external communication.
Family Intervention Exposes the Scam
The ordeal came to light only when Singh’s son managed to speak with him after the transfer had been completed. Realizing that he had been duped, the family immediately approached the cyber crime police and filed a complaint.
Six days after the incident, investigators are still working to trace the origin of the calls and identify the beneficiary account where the funds were transferred. Officials are examining bank transaction trails and call data records. Preliminary findings suggest that the money may have been routed through multiple mule accounts to obscure its final destination.
Cyber experts warn that in “digital arrest” scams, fraudsters exploit fear by invoking national security, money laundering, or legal proceedings. By maintaining constant contact through video calls and using authoritative language, they isolate victims psychologically and prevent them from verifying claims. The Agra case underscores how fear and lack of awareness continue to be exploited by organized cybercrime networks targeting vulnerable individuals.
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.
