In a shocking case of cyber crime that highlights the growing sophistication of online fraudsters, a 71-year-old woman from Delhi was subjected to a 24-hour digital arrest and psychologically coerced into transferring her life savings of ₹49 lakh to criminals impersonating police officers.
The Terrifying Ordeal
The elderly victim was held captive in her own home through continuous video calls by fraudsters who threatened her with legal consequences and arrest if she didn't comply with their demands. The criminals maintained constant contact, isolating her from family members and creating an atmosphere of fear and urgency that left her believing she had no alternative but to transfer the money.
According to Aditya Gautam, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Cyber Cell, Crime Branch), "The psychological coercion in these cases is extraordinary. Victims are isolated from family, kept on constant video calls, and made to believe they have no choice but to comply." The officer made this statement on Sunday, highlighting the manipulative tactics used by modern cyber criminals.
Police Investigation and Arrests
The Delhi Police Cyber Cell, following technical analysis and financial transaction mapping, identified and arrested six individuals from Lucknow who operated the mule accounts used to launder the stolen money. The investigation, registered as FIR Number 8/25, was led by Inspector Subhash Chandra under the supervision of Assistant Commissioner of Police Anil Sharma.
Coordinated police raids across multiple locations in Lucknow including Aminabad, Hasanganj, Madey Ganj, and Sadar Cantonment resulted in the apprehension of the accused at different stages of the investigation. The arrested individuals include:
- Mohd Ovais, 25, works at a flex-printing shop
- Vishal Tiwari, 19, first-year college student
- Shakeel Ahmad, 53, tailor facing murder trial
- Mohd Ahad, 25, unemployed
- Mohd Atif, 25, hotel worker
- Mohd Ujjaib, 25, hotel worker
How the Money Trail Was Concealed
The police investigation revealed that the accused opened bank accounts specifically for criminal purposes and operated them for commissions. To conceal the money trail, they systematically withdrew cash from ATMs after the victim transferred the funds. This method of using mule accounts makes tracking and recovering stolen money significantly more challenging for law enforcement agencies.
Police records indicate that multiple complaints have been registered against the same criminal syndicate on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. However, the masterminds behind the operation, who directed the accused and orchestrated the sophisticated digital arrest scenario, remain at large. Authorities believe the primary organizers are likely operating from call centers located outside India.
The Delhi Police has confirmed that further investigation is underway to identify the syndicate's organizers and trace additional victims who may have fallen prey to similar tactics. This case serves as a stark reminder of the evolving nature of cyber crime and the importance of public awareness about such sophisticated fraud schemes.
