January 7, 2026 | A sensational case of cybercrime has surfaced in Hamirpur district of Himachal Pradesh, where cyber fraudsters trapped a retired government officer in a honeytrap and siphoned off nearly ₹16.53 lakh. What began as a casual interaction on social media escalated into video call recording, blackmail and threats of police action. Police have arrested the main accused from Uttar Pradesh, while investigations into the wider interstate network are underway.
According to the complaint registered at Sadar Hamirpur police station, the victim, 60-year-old retired officer Jagjit Singh Sodhi, stated that on September 19, 2022, he was contacted by a young woman through social media. The initial conversation appeared normal, but within a short period, it progressed to video calls. During one such call, the fraudsters secretly recorded the video without the victim’s knowledge.
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The victim told police that soon after, he was threatened with the video being made viral, following which blackmailing began. In the initial phase, money was extracted on different pretexts, with amounts of ₹11,000, ₹10,000, ₹15,000, ₹25,000 and ₹10,000 transferred through various bank accounts and digital payment platforms. Each time, the victim was assured that the video would be deleted after payment.
The modus operandi then took a more dangerous turn. A person posing as a cyber officer of the Delhi Police called the victim and claimed that a case had been registered against him. He warned that the video had already gone viral on social media and YouTube, and that immediate payment was necessary to avoid legal action. Under this pressure, the victim transferred money in several instalments, including ₹52,500 and ₹1,05,000, to different accounts. He was repeatedly assured that the video was being removed from online platforms.
Large Amount Extorted in Nine Instalments
The blackmailing did not stop there. Claiming that the police file needed to be “closed,” the accused allegedly forced the victim to transfer a large sum of ₹8,00,000 into two separate bank accounts. Despite this, the threats continued, and the fraudsters later demanded an additional ₹5,00,000. Mentally distressed and fearing social humiliation, the victim eventually gathered the courage to approach the police and report the entire incident.
Technical Investigation Uncovers the Trail
After receiving the complaint, police initiated a detailed investigation into bank accounts, UPI IDs and digital transaction records. Analysis of transaction trails, mobile numbers and technical evidence provided crucial leads. Investigators found that the defrauded amount had been collected on different dates through multiple accounts and digital platforms.
Police also stated that after fraudulent withdrawals from the accounts of the victim and his wife, some amount has been temporarily put on hold by banks, while efforts are ongoing to recover the remaining money.
Mastermind Arrested, Network Under Watch
Late Saturday night, a police team conducted a raid in Uttar Pradesh and detained the main accused. The arrested individual has been identified as Mohammad Irfan (24), son of Mohammad Hasib, a resident of Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh. During interrogation, several vital inputs have emerged, which are expected to expose the layers of the cyber fraud network.
Police said the case is linked to an interstate cybercrime gang. While one arrest has been made so far, investigations into the role of other accused persons, the bank accounts used and the geographical spread of the network have been intensified. More arrests and significant revelations are likely in the coming days.
Police have appealed to the public to remain cautious while interacting with unknown persons on social media, avoid sharing personal information during video calls, and immediately report any instance of cyber blackmailing or fraud to the police or the cyber helpline 1930.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
