Pune | October 29, 2025 — An 82-year-old man from Pune died of a heart attack days after he and his wife were trapped in a chilling “digital arrest” scam, where cybercriminals posing as police and CBI officials coerced them into transferring ₹1.2 crore under the guise of a money-laundering investigation. The fraud, linked to the so-called “Naresh Goyal case,” has once again exposed how psychological manipulation and fear are being weaponized in India’s evolving cybercrime landscape.
The Call That Changed Everything
It began in August, when the octogenarian received a call from a man identifying himself as Inspector Sharma from Mumbai’s Colaba Police Station. The caller claimed that the couple’s bank accounts were linked to a human trafficking network and to the Naresh Goyal money-laundering case — a reference meant to instill instant fear and credibility.
To intensify the ruse, the couple was later contacted over a video call by two men posing as senior officers: IPS Vijay Khanna and CBI officer Daya Nayak. On camera, they issued a terrifying ultimatum — the couple could either face “jail arrest” or “digital home arrest.”
Believing they were under official investigation, the elderly pair complied. “They were made to sit in front of their camera for hours, told they were under surveillance, and ordered not to contact anyone,” said a police officer familiar with the case.
Extortion Disguised as ‘Verification’
The fraudsters then asked for the couple’s complete financial details — savings, fixed deposits, and bank balances — claiming the money needed to be “verified” in government accounts before being released back.
Between August 21 and September 19, they transferred ₹1.19 crore across five transactions. Each time, they were promised clearance “after review.” Instead, the demands continued.
When the couple finally realized the deception, they approached Pune’s Cyber Crime Police Station on September 22. By then, the financial loss was complete — and the trauma had taken a devastating toll. On October 23, the 82-year-old man suffered a fatal heart attack.
A Familiar Pattern in a Growing Digital Menace
Investigators say the case fits a broader pattern of “digital arrest” scams that have swept India in recent months. In these schemes, fraudsters impersonate officials from agencies like the CBI, NIA, ED, or RBI, using fake IDs, legal notices, and AI-generated backdrops of police stations and courtrooms to trap victims.
Senior Inspector Swapnali Shinde, who is overseeing the investigation, described the incident as deeply distressing:
“It is really unfortunate that the 82-year-old man targeted in this scam passed away. While the cause of death cannot be directly linked, the psychological trauma victims experience is undeniable.”
Officials say such scams often begin with intimidation — a threat of arrest, legal action, or reputational damage — followed by coercion to transfer funds under the pretext of “case verification.”
Despite Warnings, Awareness Lags Behind
The Ministry of Home Affairs, in a 2024 advisory, had warned of a surge in digital extortion and “virtual arrest” cases, noting that victims are typically isolated through prolonged calls and fear tactics. Yet, police say awareness hasn’t kept pace with the sophistication of these operations.
Cyber experts attribute this persistence to a combination of psychological manipulation, official impersonation, and cultural fear of authority. “The scammers know how to exploit trust in uniforms and government institutions,” said a senior cybersecurity analyst.
Authorities continue to urge citizens to remain alert: real police or central agencies never demand money transfers or personal data over calls or video chats. Victims are advised to immediately report such cases through the 1930 cybercrime helpline or cybercrime.gov.in.
A Crime of Fear — and Silence
For the Pune couple, fear proved fatal. The case stands as a grim reminder that India’s digital transformation has made its citizens not only more connected, but also more vulnerable.
What began as a phone call ended in loss — of savings, peace, and ultimately, life.
As the investigation continues, the tragedy has reignited urgent calls for stronger coordination between law enforcement and technology platforms — and for a national campaign that teaches citizens one crucial lesson: in the digital age, the most dangerous weapon is not a gun, but fear itself.
