A senior Indian scientist has fallen prey to a complex cybercrime operation, highlighting that even highly accomplished professionals are vulnerable to digital scams. Padma Bhushan awardee Professor T. Ramasami, aged 77, was targeted in a so called digital arrest scam and lost ₹57 lakh after days of mental pressure and virtual intimidation by fraudsters.
Police records show that the scammers posed as officials from central investigation and police agencies. They forced the scientist to prematurely close fixed deposits and transfer money to mule bank accounts. The Cyber Crime Wing of the Greater Chennai Police has registered a case and launched a detailed probe.
Professor Ramasami has held several key positions in his career. He served as Secretary in the Department of Science and Technology from 2006 to 2014 and later as Director General of a national scientific research council. He has also led a major research institute in Chennai and currently works as a Professor of Eminence at a leading university. His work has earned him both the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan.
The ordeal began on September 11 when he received a call on an old Delhi based number used during his government service. The caller claimed to be from the telecom department and alleged misuse of a SIM card in his name. The call was then transferred to a person claiming to be a Delhi Police officer, who instructed him to join a WhatsApp video call.
During the call, a man in khaki uniform appeared against a police insignia backdrop. A woman claiming to be a senior investigation officer later joined and showed a document resembling an arrest warrant with his photograph and Aadhaar details.
The cyber fraudsters alleged that a bank account had been opened in Mumbai using his Aadhaar and linked it to a human trafficking case. He was warned not to speak to anyone. The scammers had detailed knowledge of his personal and professional life, which made the threat seem real.
On September 13, he sought permission from the fake officers to travel for an award event. He was made to stay on video call during the journey and received messages tracking his location. On September 15, he transferred ₹30 lakh. The next day, he closed fixed deposits and transferred another ₹27 lakh.
When asked to raise ₹3 crore more, he refused and reported the case on the national cybercrime portal. Police later registered an FIR.
Officials say over 1,200 digital arrest complaints have been reported in Tamil Nadu in 2025 so far. Authorities have warned that no agency conducts arrests or verification through calls or video links and urged citizens to report such incidents to the cybercrime helpline 1930 or the official portal.
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