92-Year-Old Retired IAF Officer Defrauded of Rs 2.5 Crore in Elaborate Digital Arrest Scam
In a shocking case of cyber fraud, a 92-year-old retired Indian Air Force (IAF) officer from Gwalior was cheated of Rs 2.5 crore by criminals who kept him under digital arrest for nearly 25 days. Police officials confirmed that the elaborate deception involved callers posing as officials from central investigating agencies, who subjected the victim to prolonged psychological manipulation.
The Victim's Profile and Family Situation
The victim, identified as Narayan Mahadev Tikekar, is a retired IAF radiologist residing in the Windsor Hills area of Gwalior. He lived with his wife, while his son had passed away previously. His daughter and daughter-in-law are settled abroad, leaving the elderly couple particularly vulnerable to such sophisticated scams targeting isolated individuals.
How the Digital Arrest Scam Unfolded
The ordeal began on January 28 when Tikekar received a WhatsApp video call from a man claiming to be a senior officer of a central investigating agency. The fraudsters informed him that he was under digital surveillance and instructed him to cooperate fully in what they described as a confidential inquiry.
During repeated video calls over the following weeks, the criminals staged what appeared to be a courtroom setting, complete with individuals posing as:
- Judges
- Lawyers
- Police officers
This elaborate charade created an atmosphere of official legitimacy that prevented the victim from questioning their authority or seeking external verification during the critical initial period.
Financial Transactions and Fund Transfers
Between February 4 and February 19, under continuous pressure from the fraudsters, Tikekar transferred a total of Rs 2,52,16,000 in five separate instalments. Police investigations revealed that these substantial funds were raised through:
- Prematurely breaking fixed deposits
- Redeeming mutual fund investments
The criminals maintained their digital arrest narrative throughout this period, ensuring the victim remained compliant with their financial demands while isolated from potential sources of advice or intervention.
Discovery and Police Complaint
The deception finally unraveled when Tikekar approached his bank to verify a document related to the transactions. Recognizing irregularities, bank officials likely raised concerns that prompted the victim to reconsider the situation. A formal complaint was subsequently lodged with the Crime Branch on February 23, initiating what promises to be a complex investigation into this sophisticated cyber fraud operation.
This case highlights the increasing sophistication of cyber criminals targeting elderly and vulnerable individuals through psychological manipulation techniques that exploit trust in official institutions. The digital arrest methodology represents a particularly insidious form of cyber crime that authorities are now working to understand and combat more effectively.
