In a heartbreaking incident that exposes the brutal reality of modern cybercrime, a 72-year-old man from Pune succumbed to a massive heart attack just days after he and his wife endured a harrowing "digital arrest" ordeal at the hands of sophisticated online scammers.
The terrifying episode began when the elderly couple received a video call from individuals posing as Mumbai police and narcotics department officials. The fraudsters deployed classic intimidation tactics, claiming a parcel containing drugs addressed to the couple had been intercepted at the airport.
The Digital Prison: 6 Hours of Psychological Torture
For six agonizing hours, the senior citizens were held in what authorities now term a "digital arrest." The scammers, operating with chilling professionalism, refused to let them disconnect the call or speak to anyone else.
During this virtual captivity, the fraudsters:
- Displayed fabricated official documents to legitimize their claims
- Threatened severe legal consequences including imprisonment
- Demanded substantial financial payments to "resolve" the case
- Maintained constant psychological pressure through fear and intimidation
The Aftermath: When Trauma Turns Tragic
Although the couple eventually managed to contact their son-in-law, who alerted real police authorities, the damage had been done. The intense stress and trauma of the experience took a severe toll on the 72-year-old husband.
Just days after the digital harassment, the elderly gentleman suffered a fatal heart attack. His family and authorities believe the psychological trauma from the scam directly contributed to his deteriorating health condition.
A Growing Menace: Digital Arrest Scams Sweeping India
This tragic case is not isolated. Law enforcement agencies across India are reporting a significant surge in such "digital arrest" scams, where fraudsters:
- Use spoofing technology to mimic official phone numbers
- Employ sophisticated social engineering techniques
- Target vulnerable populations, particularly seniors
- Create elaborate fictional scenarios to extract money
Police authorities emphasize that genuine law enforcement officials will never conduct investigations or demand money through video calls. They urge citizens to immediately disconnect such calls and verify through official channels.
This tragic Pune incident serves as a stark reminder of the very real human cost of cybercrime, highlighting the urgent need for increased public awareness and stronger protective measures for vulnerable citizens against digital predators.
