A new case of ‘digital arrest’ fraud has surfaced in Ghazipur, where a group of cybercriminals allegedly posed as senior police officials and extorted money from a local resident.
According to police, Sunil Kumar Rai, a resident of Chandipur village in Karanda police station area, was duped of ₹13.47 lakh after a caller identifying himself as SP Vipin Tanda threatened him with legal action and forced him to deposit the amount in a so-called “secure account.”
Rai later approached the Cyber Crime Police Station and lodged a formal complaint. Police have registered an FIR and initiated an investigation.
The Fraud Began with a Phone Call
As per the complaint, Rai received a call on December 5, 2025, from a person claiming to be Superintendent of Police Vipin Tanda. The caller told Rai that his ATM card had been recovered from the residence of a man named Naresh Koyal, recently arrested in a financial fraud case.
The fraudster alleged that Rai’s bank accounts had been frozen and that he would be summoned to appear before the Supreme Court. To create panic, the caller insisted that Rai immediately transfer his funds into a “confidential government account” to avoid arrest and legal proceedings.
Victim Transfers ₹13.47 Lakh to Fraud Account
The fake officer sent Rai an account number belonging to Bandhan Bank, Allahabad, instructing him to deposit the funds there and share a “response number” afterward.
Terrified and under psychological pressure, Rai transferred a total of ₹13,47,200 from his SBI Nandganj branch account to the given account through multiple transactions.
Soon after the transfers were made, the caller’s phone was switched off. Realizing he had been duped, Rai rushed to file a complaint with the Cyber Crime Police Station in Ghazipur.
FIR Registered; Cyber Police Tracing Accused
Cyber police officials confirmed that an FIR has been registered based on Rai’s complaint.
Station In-Charge Rahmatullah Khan said, “We have initiated technical analysis of the bank account and money trail. Our cyber team is tracking the suspect’s location.”
He added that such scams are often operated by interstate cybercrime syndicates running call centers from Delhi, Noida, and Gurugram.
‘Digital Arrest’ Scams on the Rise Across India
Cyber experts have warned that the “Digital Arrest” scam is emerging as a new cybercrime trend in India. In these cases, scammers impersonate IAS or IPS officers, fabricate criminal charges, and pressure victims to deposit money as “bail” or “security.”
Fraudsters often use video calls, forged ID cards, and fake Supreme Court notices to appear legitimate. Police have urged citizens to remain cautious and immediately report such incidents to the 1930 Cyber Helpline or cybercrime.gov.in.
Police Advise Public to Stay Vigilant
Cyber Crime Station Officer Rahmatullah Khan cautioned citizens against trusting anyone claiming to be a government or police official over the phone.
“If someone demands money or banking details under the pretext of an investigation, disconnect the call immediately and inform the police,” he said.
He added that Ghazipur district has reported several similar “call fraud” and “digital arrest” cases recently, and police have intensified bank account freezing and call tracing efforts to curb such crimes.
