Rajkot Police rescued an elderly couple from a digital arrest scam after cybercriminals allegedly kept them under surveillance on a video call for nearly four hours and pressured them to pay ₹25 lakh. Police intervention prevented the couple from losing the money.
How Did the Late-Night Call Begin?
A 75-year-old man living on Kalawad Road in Rajkot received a call at around 2.46 am. The caller identified herself as Preeti Verma and claimed to be an official from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India.
After speaking with him for some time, she transferred the call to another man, who was introduced as her senior. The man then initiated a video call from another number.
His face was not visible during the call. He instructed the elderly couple to sit next to each other on chairs and remain on the video call.
What Did the Callers Claim About Their Aadhaar Details?
The caller checked the couple’s Aadhaar cards and claimed that a bank account had been opened using their Aadhaar details.
He further alleged that a ₹2 crore fraud had taken place through the account and treated the matter as a serious case. The couple were told that they would remain under surveillance for three days.
The callers also claimed that ₹25 lakh linked to the alleged ₹2 crore fraud had been transferred to the couple’s bank account.
How Were the Couple Put Under ‘Digital Arrest’?
The cybercriminals allegedly tried to frighten the couple by pretending to exercise official authority. At one point, the caller referred to bringing a revolver from a car and then told the elderly man that he was under digital arrest.
The couple were instructed to lock their doors, keep the phone connected to a charger and continue the video call without interruption.
Also Read: https://the420.in/kerala-digital-arrest-crypto-bitcoin-fraud-woman-loses-crore/
They were also told not to allow people working for them to enter the house and not to contact anyone. The callers claimed the elderly man would be questioned under surveillance and later taken to Mumbai.
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How Did the Fraudsters Pressure Them for ₹25 Lakh?
The callers allegedly threatened that the elderly man could be jailed in connection with the supposed fraud case. They also told him that facilities such as a sofa, bed or fan would not be available in jail.
As the intimidation continued, the fraudsters gradually pressured the couple to pay ₹25 lakh, claiming that the amount had been deposited into their account and would have to be paid.
The threats and constant video surveillance continued for nearly four hours.
How Did the Elderly Man Get Police Help?
After remaining under the so-called digital arrest for almost four hours, the elderly man gathered the courage to contact the 112 police control room.
The control room immediately alerted the cybercrime police. PI M.D. Gadhvi and his team then reached the couple’s residence.
Police explained that there is no legal provision for a “digital arrest” and told the couple that they had been targeted in a cyber fraud attempt.
How Did Police Prevent the ₹25 Lakh Fraud?
Police intervention stopped the couple from making the demanded payment, preventing a potential loss of ₹25 lakh.
After reassuring them and explaining the legal position, police recorded details of the incident and began further legal action.
Police also urged senior citizens not to panic when approached by cybercriminals and advised people to avoid responding to calls or video calls from unknown numbers.
What Should People Learn From This Case?
Calls claiming that Aadhaar details, bank accounts or phone numbers are linked to serious crimes can be used to frighten victims into obeying fraudsters. Threats of arrest, continuous video surveillance and demands to remain isolated should be treated as serious warning signs. Anyone receiving such a call should contact police instead of following instructions or transferring money.
Also Read: https://the420.in/digital-arrest-scam-india-law/
The420 Safety Watch
There is no legal concept of “digital arrest”. The Rajkot case shows how cybercriminals can use fear, fake official identities and prolonged video calls to pressure elderly victims into paying large sums. Refusing payment and contacting police quickly can stop the fraud before money is lost.
About the author — Ayesha Aayat writes on cybercrime, digital safety, and emerging online threats. Her work focuses on public awareness, legal clarity, and technology-driven risks.
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