Patna: In a disturbing new twist on cybercrime, a retired doctor couple in Patna’s Hanuman Nagar has fallen victim to an elaborate fraud, losing a staggering Rs 1.95 crore. Cyber fraudsters orchestrated a terrifying 12-day “digital arrest” of the couple, identifying as Dr. Radhe Mohan Prasad and his wife, both retired from Patna Medical College Hospital (PMCH), before siphoning off their savings via RTGS transactions.
The audacious scheme began on May 21, when the couple received a chilling call from an unknown number. The caller, posing as a cybercrime department official, threatened them, alleging a major fraud had been committed from their number and that numerous criminal cases were registered against them. They were branded “most wanted” and warned of immediate arrest if they didn’t comply.
Elaborate Deception: A ‘Police Station’ on Video Call
The criminals escalated their psychological assault by setting up a deceptive “police station and court” environment on video call. Under constant threats and fear, the doctor couple, intimidated and believing the elaborate charade, succumbed to the fraudsters’ demands. For 12 consecutive days, they were kept on video call, effectively banned from leaving their home. During this terrifying ordeal, the fraudsters extracted intimate details about their bank accounts, subsequently initiating multiple Rs 25 lakh RTGS transactions, cumulatively defrauding them of approximately Rs 1.95 crore.
Police Launch Investigation as DSP Warns Public
The shocking realization of the deception prompted the doctor couple to file a complaint at Patrakar Nagar police station on June 4. Police have since registered a case under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the IT Act, initiating a full-scale investigation.
“A case has come to the police station on June 4, in which the elderly doctor couple has been cheated of about Rs 1.95 crore,” confirmed Raghavendra Mani Tripathi, DSP, Patna Cyber Police Station. “The criminals cheated by posing as a judge, lawyer, and CBI officer. The elderly couple then went to the bank and sent the money through RTGS. A case has been registered in Patna Cyber Police Station regarding this matter, and investigation has been started.” Police are now actively tracing the fraudsters with the help of the cyber cell.
Public Advisory: Stay Vigilant Against Online Scams
In light of this incident, police have issued a critical advisory to the public:
- If any unknown person claiming to be a police or bank officer asks for money, immediately inform your nearest police station.
- Do not trust any unknown calls or messages.
- Never share your bank details with anyone.
- Report such incidents by calling the national helpline number 1930.
