In yet another alarming case of cyber fraud, a retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from Lucknow was duped of ₹12 lakh by fraudsters who trapped him in a so-called “digital arrest.” The victim, Kripa Shankar Gautam, a resident of Viram Khand-1 in Gomtinagar, was held hostage online for nearly two days as conmen posing as police officers coerced him into transferring his savings.
Gautam had retired as Joint Director from a central ministry, making the case particularly shocking given his administrative experience and background in governance.
How the Scam Played Out
According to the cyber crime police, the fraudsters contacted victim and falsely accused him of being involved in a money laundering case. Using intimidation and impersonation tactics, they posed as law enforcement officials and claimed that immediate compliance was necessary to avoid arrest and prosecution.
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The scammers then subjected Gautam to a “digital arrest” keeping him under continuous surveillance via online calls and preventing him from contacting family or friends. Under sustained pressure, he transferred ₹12 lakh into accounts controlled by the fraudsters.
FIR and Police Investigation
The Lucknow Cyber Crime Police Station has registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Information Technology Act. Investigators are now working to trace the accounts and digital footprints of the accused.
Officials confirmed that Gautam managed to break free of the ordeal only after realizing he had been duped and subsequently lodged a formal complaint. Police say the investigation is focusing on identifying the syndicate behind the operation, which may have international links.
Digital Arrest: A Growing Cybercrime Trend
“Digital arrest” scams are becoming one of the most insidious forms of cybercrime in India. Victims are trapped psychologically rather than physically, coerced into isolation, and monitored over video calls until they comply with extortion demands. Retired professionals, business owners, and even students have been targeted in recent months.
Cybersecurity experts note that the tactic thrives on fear of legal trouble and social embarrassment, making educated and high-profile individuals equally vulnerable. Authorities have repeatedly urged citizens to immediately verify such calls and contact official helplines before making any financial transactions.