Kolkata – A chilling tale of cyber fraud has emerged from Lake Town, where a 76-year-old woman was held hostage over the phone for two harrowing days, coerced into transferring Rs 11 lakh to a sophisticated cyber gang. The victim, Manju Ganguly, was tricked into believing her Aadhaar card had been misused for serious criminal activities, including sexual harassment and fraudulent advertising.
The Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate has now made a significant breakthrough in the case, arresting a 20-year-old youth from Alwar, Rajasthan. The arrest underscores the growing menace of “digital arrest” scams targeting vulnerable citizens, particularly the elderly.
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The Anatomy of the Scam: Fear and Manipulation
According to police reports, Manju Ganguly, a resident of the Dum Dum Park area in Lake Town, lodged a complaint on December 24th of the previous year. The ordeal began with a WhatsApp video call from an individual posing as a Mumbai cybercrime branch police officer.
“The caller informed Ganguly that her Aadhaar card had been used to activate numerous SIM cards and was also used for illegal trading, sexual harassment and fake gambling advertisements,” explained a Bidhannagar police officer.
The gang’s strategy relied heavily on instilling fear and creating a sense of urgency. They threatened Ganguly with arrest, effectively holding her hostage through the phone, and manipulated her into transferring Rs 11 lakh to various bank accounts.
Arrest in Alwar: A Step Towards Justice
The Bidhannagar police’s investigation led them to Alwar, Rajasthan, where they apprehended Mahesh Kumar, a 20-year-old resident of Bas Kripalnagar village in Kishangarh Bas tehsil.
“Mahesh Kumar, a 20-year-old man from Bas Kripalnagar village in Kishangarh Bas tehsil of Alwar district in Rajasthan, was arrested in connection with a digital arrest case filed in Lake Town police station,” confirmed an officer from the Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate.
This arrest highlights the widespread nature of these cybercrimes, with perpetrators often operating from distant locations.
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“Digital Arrest” Scams: A Growing Concern
Manju Ganguly’s case is not an isolated incident. Several Calcuttans, especially the elderly, have fallen prey to these “digital arrest” scams. The modus operandi typically involves impersonating law enforcement officers and exploiting the victims’ fear of legal repercussions.
Just last month, a similar case surfaced in New Town, where a 76-year-old retired air force officer was duped of Rs 1.7 crore. A 27-year-old man was arrested in Gujarat in connection with that fraud.
Police Urge Vigilance and Awareness
The Bidhannagar police are urging citizens to remain vigilant and aware of these scams. They advise against sharing personal information or transferring money to unknown individuals over the phone or internet.
“It is crucial to verify the identity of callers claiming to be law enforcement officers. If you receive suspicious calls, contact your local police station immediately,” advised a police spokesperson.
The authorities are also emphasizing the importance of educating elderly family members about these scams and providing them with guidance on how to avoid becoming victims.
The arrest of Mahesh Kumar is a significant step in combating these cybercrimes, but the fight against these sophisticated scams requires ongoing awareness and vigilance from the public.