A 70-year-old retired civil engineer and IIT alumnus from Kolkata’s New Town allegedly lost more than Rs 3.26 crore after falling victim to an elaborate “digital arrest” scam that kept him under virtual surveillance for nearly 20 days.
According to a police complaint, the fraud began on December 16 when the retired professional received a call from individuals claiming to be officers of the Mumbai Crime Branch. They alleged that a SIM card had been issued in his name using his Aadhaar details and was linked to multiple criminal complaints. The callers further claimed that an FIR had been registered against him and warned that central agencies, including the CBI, were investigating the case.
To make the story appear genuine, the fraudsters allegedly sent forged documents, including a fake arrest warrant and notices claiming his bank accounts could be frozen. Citing his age, they told him he would not be taken into physical custody but would instead remain under “house surveillance.” He was reportedly instructed to stay at home, regularly share his location, avoid discussing the matter with anyone and remain available for constant monitoring.
Under severe psychological pressure, the victim was allegedly persuaded to disclose details of all his financial assets. Believing the verification process was genuine and that his money would be returned after his name was cleared, he liquidated a substantial portion of his savings. This included selling shares worth over Rs 2.2 crore, prematurely closing fixed deposits, withdrawing funds from his PPF account and redeeming mutual fund investments.
Police said the victim transferred a total of Rs 3,26,84,000 through multiple RTGS and online transactions to bank accounts provided by the fraudsters. The money was reportedly routed through accounts linked to several private firms. The final transfer of Rs 20 lakh was allegedly made after he was told it was required as part of a fictitious Supreme Court-approved bail process.
The retired engineer reportedly realised he had been cheated only after repeated promises of a refund failed to materialise. Following the advice of a former colleague, he approached the New Town Police Station and lodged a complaint. Police have launched an investigation to trace the accused and track the flow of the stolen funds.
