A major cyber fraud attempt involving a so-called “digital arrest” was foiled at a bank branch in Gomtinagar on Friday after the timely intervention of alert officials saved a retired municipal corporation inspector from losing nearly ₹80 lakh. The elderly man had been held psychologically hostage for over two hours by cyber fraudsters posing as Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) officers and threatening him with arrest in a terror funding case.
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The victim, identified as Chedilal, a retired inspector of the municipal corporation and a resident of Ashiana, was targeted through a video-call-based scam in which the fraudsters accused him of terror funding linked to the Pahalgam attack. The accused callers claimed that bank accounts opened using his Aadhaar details had been used to route ₹40 lakh towards terrorist activities.
According to bank officials, the incident unfolded on Friday morning when Chedilal was on his way to the Gomtinagar zonal office of the Bank of Maharashtra. At around 11 am, he received a phone call from an unknown number. The caller introduced himself as an ATS inspector from Pune and warned that a probe was underway against him. He was told that until the investigation was complete, he was under “digital arrest” and must not share details with anyone.
Within minutes, the call escalated to a video call. A man dressed in police uniform appeared on screen, claiming to be a senior ATS officer. He questioned the elderly man about his bank accounts, fixed deposits and total savings. The call was then transferred to another person, also in uniform, who instructed Chedilal to move all his funds into “designated accounts” for verification.
Fearful of arrest and imprisonment, the retired inspector complied with instructions and sat quietly inside the bank premises, planning to liquidate his savings and fixed deposits amounting to nearly ₹80 lakh. The fraudsters told him they would call again within 10 minutes to ensure compliance.
However, the victim’s visible distress proved to be the turning point. Despite the winter chill, Chedilal was sweating profusely and appeared extremely anxious. A bank employee noticed his condition and tried to engage him in conversation, but the elderly man initially refused to speak. Sensing something amiss, the staff member alerted the bank’s legal officer.
When the legal officer approached Chedilal, he initially tried to avoid questions but eventually broke down and revealed the entire sequence of events. Recognising it as a classic “digital arrest” cyber scam, the officer immediately took control of the situation.
When the fraudsters made another video call, the legal officer answered it and confronted the callers directly, firmly telling them that no police agency conducts digital arrests and that their actions amounted to cybercrime. Faced with resistance and exposure, the fraudsters abruptly disconnected the call.
Bank officials later counselled the shaken retiree, reassuring him that he was safe and that the threats were fake. The bank management also commended the alertness of the staff involved. The legal officer was felicitated with a memento for his presence of mind and timely action that prevented a massive financial loss.
An online complaint was immediately lodged on the national cybercrime portal. A formal written complaint to the cybercrime cell is expected to be submitted on Monday for further investigation.
Cybercrime experts have repeatedly warned that “digital arrest” is a fictitious concept used by fraudsters to create panic and force victims—particularly senior citizens—into transferring money. Police and investigative agencies do not conduct arrests, interrogations or asset verification through video calls or messaging platforms.
The incident has once again highlighted the growing sophistication of cyber scams and the importance of public awareness and institutional vigilance. Bank officials urged customers, especially elderly account holders, to immediately report suspicious calls and seek help from bank staff without hesitation.
Authorities have reiterated that anyone receiving such threatening calls should disconnect immediately and report the matter to the 1930 cybercrime helpline or the official cybercrime reporting portal.
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.
