What began as an alarming video call soon turned into one of the region’s most serious cyber fraud cases. A retired Ayurvedic medical officer was allegedly manipulated and financially drained through a fake “digital arrest” scheme, prompting a police investigation.
Fraudsters posing as officials from the National Investigation Agency and the Enforcement Directorate allegedly cheated Dr Manjula Srivastava of ₹1,57,99,952.80 in Gorakhpur. A case has been registered at the Cyber Crime Police Station, and investigations are underway.
According to the complaint, the incident started on February 13, 2026, when Dr Srivastava received a WhatsApp video call from a person claiming to be an investigating officer. She was accused of links to suspicious transactions worth ₹50 lakh in a Canara Bank account and alleged money laundering activities.
The cyber fraudsters reportedly placed the victim under what they called “digital arrest”, keeping her on continuous video calls and instructing her not to contact anyone or leave her home. She was told the money would be moved temporarily as part of a “legalisation process” and returned once verification was completed.
Investigators said the accused exploited fear, authority and the victim’s limited technical knowledge to exert psychological pressure over several days.
Between February 13 and February 21, the victim was allegedly forced to liquidate fixed deposits and transfer funds as directed:
- February 18: ₹30 lakh transferred from a Union Bank of India account to an ICICI Bank account via RTGS
- February 20: ₹80 lakh transferred to the same ICICI Bank account via RTGS
- February 21: ₹47,99,952.80 transferred from her State Bank of India account to the ICICI Bank account
The total amount siphoned off was ₹1,57,99,952.80.
To maintain trust, the accused allegedly shared fake Enforcement Directorate receipts carrying identical reference numbers. The caller claimed to be a “Pune-based officer” and assured a refund by February 24. All communication stopped after the transfers were completed.
The complainant said multiple phone numbers were used and raised suspicion of possible insider involvement, though officials have not confirmed this.
FIR registered, probe ongoing
Cyber police have filed an FIR against unknown persons and are analysing transaction trails, call records and beneficiary accounts. Efforts are underway to freeze recipient accounts and coordinate with banks for possible recovery.
Authorities have warned that law enforcement agencies do not conduct arrests or financial checks through video calls. Citizens facing such threats are advised to contact local police or call the national cybercrime helpline at 1930.
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