Mumbai: A 69-year-old chief priest from Malad was allegedly cheated of nearly ₹50 lakh by cyber fraudsters who placed him under a fake “digital arrest”, according to a report by Hindustan Times.
As per police officials, the incident came to light after a 75-year-old disciple filed a complaint with the Cyber Police. The priest was scheduled to travel to Vrindavan between April 3 and April 7 for a religious programme involving bhajans and kirtans.
The fraud began on April 1 when the priest received a WhatsApp video call from a woman posing as a police officer. She falsely claimed that bank accounts in his name were linked to funding a terror attack in Pahalgam. The caller further alleged that the Reserve Bank of India had flagged his transactions and warned him of immediate arrest.
Fearing legal action, the priest complied with the instructions. He was kept under constant surveillance via video call on April 1 and April 2, during which the accused monitored his activities and prevented him from contacting others or travelling.
During this period, the fraudsters coerced him into transferring ₹50 lakh to multiple bank accounts. They also stopped him from leaving for Vrindavan, adding to his distress.
Suspicion arose when one of his disciples noticed unusual behaviour and questioned him. Upon learning the details, the disciple informed him that law enforcement agencies do not conduct “digital arrests” or demand money transfers during investigations. He later approached the police.
Based on the complaint, a case has been registered against unidentified persons under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, including charges of cheating, impersonation, extortion, and forgery. Police have initiated further investigation.
