What began as routine phone and WhatsApp calls ended in devastating financial losses for 2 retired government-linked employees in Dehradun, highlighting the growing threat of cyber crime targeting senior citizens.
Cyber fraudsters cheated 2 elderly residents of Dehradun out of a combined Rs 1.2 crore by using fake investment promises and intimidation tactics such as so-called “digital arrest.” Both victims lost their lifetime savings. Separate cases have been registered at the Cyber Crime Police Station, and investigations are underway.
In the first case, Mangal Singh Rawat, a resident of Ajabpur Kala and a retired employee of the Water Corporation, reported receiving a phone call on November 21, 2025. The caller claimed to be a Delhi Police officer and alleged that a fraud case had been registered against him. Rawat was told his Aadhaar and PAN cards would be altered unless he obtained a No Objection Certificate.
When Rawat called a second number provided by the caller, the person identified himself as a CBI officer from Delhi. He claimed that money laundering was being carried out in Rawat’s name through a bank account on Barakhamba Road and said one person had already been arrested. The fraudsters stayed in constant contact and on December 10 told Rawat he was under “digital arrest.”
Out of fear, Rawat transferred Rs 64.65 lakh to multiple accounts. He realised the fraud only after informing his family.
In the second incident, Rajiv Sahni, a retired employee of Hindustan National Glass Limited living in Rishikesh, said he received a WhatsApp call on December 11, 2025. The caller, identifying himself as Jatin Shah, claimed to be the CEO of IIFL Wealth Management.
After gaining Sahni’s trust, the fraudster convinced him to invest in the stock market between December 16, 2025 and January 28, 2026. Sahni transferred Rs 55.48 lakh to different accounts. When he later tried to withdraw the money, he was pressured to deposit another Rs 25 lakh, prompting him to realise he had been scammed.
Cyber ASP Kush Mishra said cases have been registered based on the complaints, and the bank accounts involved are being examined.
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