A woman bank manager in Mandya district, Karnataka, has fallen victim to a sophisticated cyber scheme in which fraudsters posing as Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officers coerced her into transferring ₹56 lakh. The scam, known as a “digital arrest,” unfolded via a video call and triggered a months‑long police probe resulting in multiple arrests.
Victim Coerced in Live Video Call Scam
According to investigators, the manager—employed with the Bank of Baroda—received a video call from individuals claiming to be CBI officers. They accused her of involvement in money laundering, threatening calls, and a hawala network, presenting fabricated evidence and insisting that she move funds immediately to avoid detention. Told to stay visible during the call, the woman complied, transferring money through various bank channels as directed.
Throughout the call, ₹56 lakh was transferred into 29 distinct accounts, none of which belonged to legitimate institutions. When she realised the deceit, she complained to the Cyber Economy and Narcotics (CEN) police station in Mandya.
Investigation Tracks Fraudsters Across States
Police investigation revealed the accounts used were fake. Initial leads traced the fraud ring to Rajasthan, but further inquiry uncovered its actual base in Delhi. Officers arrested three suspects: Gopal Bishnoi, Mahipal Bishnoi, and Jitendra Singh. Authorities managed to recover only ₹1.5 lakh; the remainder appears dispersed among the many fake accounts.
Mandya police are examining the digital trails, including WhatsApp communications and bank details, to map the whole network. Senior officers emphasise that this case highlights the emotional and financial vulnerabilities scammers exploit in remote manipulation schemes.
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Public Warnings After Similar Incidents in Bengaluru
In a related scam, two women from Bengaluru were deceived by fraudsters impersonating police officers over video calls. They were reportedly forced to undress for a fake medical verification, recorded for misuse. These incidents illustrate an alarming rise in video-based coercion scams manipulating victims through fear and authority.
Authorities have issued public advisories: citizens should never comply with unsolicited video calls demanding urgent transfers or personal actions. Verification via official channels and immediate reporting are key to preventing such fraud.