Retired Bank Employee and Wife Held in 13-Day 'Digital Arrest', Lose Rs 67 Lakh in Muzaffarpur Cyber Scam
In a shocking case of cyber fraud, a 66-year-old retired bank employee and his wife were subjected to a 13-day "digital arrest" by criminals posing as police officers, resulting in the loss of Rs 67 lakh from their life savings in Muzaffarpur district. The police confirmed the incident on Saturday, highlighting the sophisticated tactics used by the fraudsters.
How the Elaborate Scam Unfolded
Mahesh Gami, who retired from a Punjab National Bank branch in Durgapur, West Bengal, in 2020, received a video call on March 26 from an unknown number. The caller, pretending to be a police officer, falsely claimed that Gami's Aadhaar card had been misused in terrorist activities and money laundering operations in Pahalgam.
The fraudsters alleged that a Rs 5 crore money laundering case had been registered against him, linking his identity to terror funding connected to the 2008 Mumbai attacks. To bolster their credibility, they shared forged documents, including a fake Supreme Court acknowledgment, an RBI clarification, a CBI investigation letter, and an Enforcement Directorate receipt.
Continuous Surveillance and Psychological Pressure
According to Gami's FIR, the scammers, who posed as officials from the Mumbai Crime Branch, accused him of receiving Rs 50 lakh from Pakistan to fund a terror attack in Pahalgam. They sent photographs of alleged terrorists and maintained constant WhatsApp video and voice calls, threatening immediate arrest if he disconnected.
"I was made to believe that my account was involved in money laundering and that I would be arrested. I didn't know what to do. They kept me under surveillance for 13 days," Gami stated. The couple was instructed to stay connected at all times, even when stepping out or receiving other calls, ensuring they remained under watch.
Financial Loss and Realisation of the Fraud
Muzaffarpur Cyber DSP Himanshu Kumar explained that the accused manipulated Gami into believing his Aadhaar and bank details were linked to a drug trafficking case. "They kept him under video surveillance and instructed him not to inform anyone," he said.
Under immense pressure, Gami transferred Rs 42 lakh and Rs 25 lakh from two fixed deposits into bank accounts provided by the fraudsters on April 4 and April 6, respectively. These funds were part of his retirement savings, earmarked for his younger daughter's marriage.
The scam only came to light when the fraudsters demanded he surrender his LIC policy. An LIC agent intervened, advised Gami to disconnect the call, and persuaded him to approach the police. A formal complaint was lodged at the Muzaffarpur cyber police station on April 10.
Ongoing Police Investigation
Police authorities have launched an investigation to trace the mobile numbers used in the crime and freeze the beneficiary bank accounts. This case underscores the growing threat of cyber fraud in India, where criminals exploit fear and authority to execute elaborate scams.
Authorities urge the public to remain vigilant against such tactics, verifying any suspicious claims through official channels and reporting incidents immediately to prevent financial losses.
