A senior health official in Odisha has become the latest victim of an organised cyber fraud using fear and intimidation.
A woman doctor posted in Rayagada district was cheated of more than ₹12 lakh after being trapped in a so called digital arrest scam. Dr. Mamata Choudhury, Additional District Public Health Officer working in the office of the Chief District Medical and Public Health Officer in Rayagada, has filed a complaint at the local police station.
According to her complaint, the incident began a few days ago when doctor received a phone call from a person claiming to be from a courier service. The caller alleged that a suspicious parcel linked to her Aadhaar card had been intercepted and that serious charges had been registered in her name.
The call was later transferred to another person who posed as a police officer. The fraudster threatened her with immediate arrest and instructed her not to leave her house until a verification process was completed. This method is commonly referred to as a digital arrest scam.
Police said the accused kept doctor under constant fear and mental pressure. She was repeatedly warned of strict action if she failed to cooperate. Over a period of 2 days, she was coerced into transferring money multiple times, resulting in a total loss of more than ₹12 lakh.
After realising the fraud, doctor approached the Rayagada police and lodged a formal complaint. The police, along with the cyber cell, have initiated an investigation to track down the fraudsters.
Rayagada IIC Prasanna Kumar Behera confirmed that a case has been registered and further inquiry is underway to identify and arrest those involved.
Police have once again cautioned the public to stay alert and avoid falling prey to such scams. They stressed that no police or investigating agency carries out arrests or investigations through phone calls or video calls.
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