In a significant breakthrough, the Panchkula police have arrested another individual in connection with a major cyber fraud case involving a 'digital arrest' scam. The accused, Pathukar Murli Krishna, a resident of Hyderabad, was apprehended following a raid in the city. The fraud had duped a 70-year-old retired supervisor from Pinjore of over Rs 80 lakh.
Details of the Arrest
Police officials confirmed that Murli Krishna played a key role in routing the defrauded money by opening bank accounts in the name of a fake construction firm. Earlier, another accused, Saurabh Kumar from Mainpuri, Uttar Pradesh, had been arrested. His interrogation provided crucial leads that led to Krishna's capture.
How the Scam Unfolded
According to the complaint filed by the victim, cyber fraudsters impersonated officials from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai), the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and the Maharashtra Police. They falsely claimed that a SIM card linked to the victim's Aadhaar was involved in money laundering and financial fraud. The fraudsters intimidated the victim and kept him under 'digital arrest,' maintaining constant surveillance and systematically breaking his confidence. They coerced him into transferring Rs 80.09 lakh in multiple transactions to bank accounts they provided.
Investigation and Recovery
A case was registered on January 19 under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. During the probe, police traced a suspicious account linked to a firm named GSR Construction and Developer in Hyderabad, where a major portion of Rs 62 lakh was initially transferred. Acting on this lead, a police team conducted a raid and arrested Murli Krishna on May 2.
During interrogation, the accused confessed to creating the fake company using forged rent agreements and partnership deeds to legitimise illegal transactions. Police recovered fake documents and agreements from his possession. He was produced in court on May 3 and remanded to judicial custody.
Ongoing Efforts
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Amrinder Singh stated that efforts are underway to trace and arrest other members of the racket and dismantle the entire network behind the fraud. The police are also working to recover the remaining amount and prevent further such scams.
