Muzaffarpur: A 66-year-old retired bank employee from Bihar’s Muzaffarpur district has fallen victim to a sophisticated cyber fraud, losing Rs 67 lakh after being kept under so-called “digital arrest” for nearly 10 days, police said.
The victim, Mahesh Gami, a resident of Amgola under the Kazimohammadpur police station area, alleged that the fraud began on March 26 when he received a WhatsApp video call from an unknown number. The caller posed as a police officer and claimed that Gami’s Aadhaar card had been used in terror-related activities linked to Pahalgam, as well as in a money laundering case.
Threatened With Rs 5 Crore Case
According to the complaint, the fraudsters told Gami that a Rs 5 crore money laundering case had been registered in his name and that he was listed as a 10 percent beneficiary. They then began pressuring him psychologically, warning of imminent legal action and arrest.
Held in ‘Digital Arrest’ for 10 Days
Gami said he was kept under constant surveillance via WhatsApp video calls from March 26 to April 7. The accused allegedly instructed him not to step out of his house or inform anyone about the situation. During this period, he also received calls from other numbers, with callers impersonating “senior officials,” further intensifying fear and confusion.
Fake Government Documents Used
To make their claims appear legitimate, the fraudsters sent forged documents in the names of the Supreme Court, RBI, CBI, and the Enforcement Directorate. These documents falsely mentioned Gami’s Aadhaar number and bank details, along with serious charges such as human trafficking (IPC 370), cheating (IPC 420), and criminal conspiracy (IPC 120B), leaving him terrified.
Rs 67 Lakh Transferred in Two Installments
Under pressure, the victim transferred a total of Rs 67 lakh to multiple bank accounts provided by the fraudsters. He sent Rs 42 lakh on April 4 and another Rs 25 lakh on April 6.
Complaint Filed, Probe Underway
Realising that he had been duped, Gami approached the cyber police station and lodged a written complaint. Based on his statement, an FIR has been registered and an investigation is underway.
Police officials said the case highlights the evolving tactics of cyber criminals, who are increasingly using fear, impersonation, and fake legal documents to target unsuspecting individuals. Authorities have urged citizens to remain cautious and verify any such claims before taking action.
