Gwalior/Bhopal: Swami Supradiptananda, the secretary of the Ramakrishna Mission Ashram in Gwalior, has fallen prey to what authorities are calling Madhya Pradesh’s largest-known “digital arrest” fraud. The monk was virtually held hostage via video calls for nearly a month and manipulated into transferring Rs 2.52 crore to accounts spread across India.
26 Days of Coercion
The ordeal began on March 17, when Swami Supradiptananda received a video call from an individual posing as a police officer from Nashik, Maharashtra. The caller falsely informed him that his name had appeared in a money laundering case linked to a prominent businessman, Naresh Goyal.
Fearing legal consequences and trusting the supposed official, the monk was instructed to remain under constant surveillance through video calls—a tactic now referred to as “digital arrest.” During this period, the fraudsters emotionally manipulated and psychologically pressured him into making repeated financial transfers.
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Money Sent to 12 Bank Accounts
According to investigators, the monk transferred a total of Rs 2.52 crore to 12 different bank accounts across the country. The fraudsters claimed this was necessary for a “verification process” and promised to refund the entire amount by April 15. When no money was returned, Swami Supradiptananda approached the Gwalior police and lodged a formal complaint.
Police Launch Investigation
The Gwalior Crime Branch has registered an FIR and handed the case over to the Cyber Police Station, where a full-scale investigation is underway. Officers are working to identify the account holders and trace the digital footprints of the scammers. Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Niranjan Sharma confirmed the details. “The victim received a fake call from someone impersonating a Nashik Police official. He was told he was involved in a financial crime. Over time, they obtained his Aadhaar details and exploited his fear to extract approximately Rs 2.52 crore.”
Possible Links to Larger Network
Authorities suspect this fraud may be linked to a broader interstate or even international scam network, with similar cases possibly emerging elsewhere. The Cyber Police are now coordinating with banks and other law enforcement agencies to freeze accounts and gather evidence. This incident highlights the rising threat of “digital arrest” scams—sophisticated frauds that exploit fear, trust, and technology to extort money from unsuspecting individuals.
Public Advisory:
Police urge citizens not to share personal documents or financial information over calls, especially when the caller claims to be from a law enforcement agency. In case of doubt, always verify credentials directly with local police or official sources.