In a shocking case of cyber fraud, a retired master warrant officer of the Indian Air Force and his wife were held under a terrifying digital arrest for three days by criminals impersonating central agency officials. The incident, reported from Kanpur's Chakeri area, resulted in the couple being swindled of a staggering Rs 17.5 lakh.
The Three-Day Ordeal of Digital Imprisonment
The victim, Balveer Singh, a resident of Safipur under Chakeri police station, stated that the nightmare began on November 13, 2025. He received a call from individuals claiming to be officers from the CBI and other government agencies. The fraudsters displayed his Aadhaar card details and falsely alleged that it had been used to open a bank account in Mumbai from which illegal transactions were conducted. They asserted that Singh was fully responsible for these crimes.
Despite his repeated pleas of innocence, the accused placed him and his wife, Harjeet Kaur, under what they termed a digital arrest. For three agonizing days, the couple was subjected to relentless pressure and monitoring. The fraudsters claimed the crime branch had failed to find the real culprits, making Singh the prime suspect. They threatened physical arrest and created a prison-like atmosphere within his own home.
Relentless Pressure and Financial Extortion
The cyber criminals maintained constant surveillance through video calls, specifically targeting Harjeet Kaur. They instructed her not to disconnect the phone and monitored their every move. The victims were so terrified that they felt they had no permission to use the toilet, sleep, or contact anyone outside.
To lend credibility to their charade, the fraudsters showed a fake verification process and even sent a fabricated warrant. They claimed a judge would be appointed to hear the case and deliver a judgment. Subsequently, they began demanding money to settle the matter.
Under immense duress, Balveer Singh transferred Rs 12.5 lakh on November 14 to a bank account provided by the fraudsters, held in the name of Shri Prakash. The very next day, the criminals demanded an additional Rs 5 lakh for court and lawyer fees. Having exhausted his funds, Singh borrowed money from a family acquaintance and deposited the cash into another specified account (Super Traders, account number: 0838102100001932).
Police Investigation Launched
Only after the payments were made did the fraudsters cut off all contact. Realizing he had been scammed, Balveer Singh approached the Chakeri police and filed a formal complaint.
Based on his complaint, the police have registered a case and initiated a search for the accused. Station in-charge Ajay Kumar Mishra confirmed that the investigation is being conducted with assistance from the cyber crime cell. This incident highlights the sophisticated and psychologically manipulative tactics employed by modern cyber fraudsters, who exploit fear and authority to extort large sums from their victims.
